Joel David Raymond

Joel David Raymond of Interlochen passed away unexpectedly on Saturday morning, September 8th in Harbor Beach, Mi. Joel was born on August 19th, 1981 in Traverse City, MI. Joel grew up in the Harrietta/Mesick area where he loved being on Grampa's tractor, playing baseball with friends and being a boy. He attended Mesick Schools from kindergarten through 12th grade, graduating in 1999. His baseball skills earned him a scholarship to Albion College but after a year, he decided that his major of computer science would be better served by attending Ferris State so he moved to Big Rapids. Joel graduated from Ferris with his Bachelor's Degree. He began working for Southern Petroleum Laboratories in Traverse City until the company was purchased and then discontinued a year later. Joel soon found a new job at American Proficiency Institute also in Traverse City where he was happily employed until his passing. Joel was a great baseball player but he also enjoyed many other outdoor activities but especially loved golf. However, one of Joel's greatest joys was being with his circle of friends who began their lifelong relationship in preschool. The circle stayed perfectly formed during these past 32 years but did begrudgingly allow a few new members such as wives, girlfriends and the occasional college roommate. It was highly likely that the annual, weekend camping session would out trump even minor family gatherings or else be rescheduled to accommodate a member's major mandatory event such as getting married or a child's birthday. Joel became an instant Dad when he proposed to the woman of his heart, Heather Pheasant and joyously gathered into his life her little girl, Payson and her little boy, Hayden. The new family spent hour after gleeful hour doing projects at Home Depot, playing putt-putt golf, eating monstrous amounts of Moomer's Ice Cream, conquering the waters at Great Wolf lodge and many other adventures that Joel would spontaneously suggest. Joel was so proud of his kids. Survivors include the mother he loved so much, Nancy (Craig) Gabier of Mesick; his father, Jesse Raymond of Okemos; his brother, Justin Raymond also of Okemos; grandparents, Betty and Leo Porter of Harrietta; his nephew and niece, Sawyer and Kennedy Ellexson of Bradley, IL and his fiance', Heather Pheasant of Interlochen and her children, Payson and Hayden. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Elizabeth and Charles Raymond. Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 14th, 2018 at the Peterson Funeral & Cremation Services in Cadillac, MI. There will be a visitation from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm followed immediately by the funeral at 3:00 pm officiated by Joel's friend, Ben Ream. Ben will be allowing time for those who have a story or remembrance of Joel to share it with everyone. Written remembrances are also very much welcomed. A luncheon will follow at the Antioch Hills golf course located 1 mile east of Mesick on M-115. Contributions came be sent to the family and will be placed into an educational fund for Payson and Hayden. An online guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com.

Joel David Raymond

August 19, 1981 - September 8, 2018