Jacob “Jake” Daniel Boysel, was born September 1st, 1994 in Santa Barbara, son of Karen (Cottriel) and Jim Boysel and brother to Sam Boysel.  He died Thursday, September 8th, in a tragic bicycle accident just a few days after his 12th birthday.   

Born at Cottage Hospital, he had just graduated from Foothill Elementary School where, with the help of many wonderful teachers, and a wealth of great friends, he developed a passion for learning.  His quick wit was an integral part of his vibrant character, though sometimes to the exasperation of his teachers.  He could always make his friends and those same teachers laugh.  He enjoyed the camaraderie of team activities. He was always up for a new adventure, often in the form of camping trips and vacations with his family.  He loved to explore new areas, to try new activities, and to learn the history of the places he visited.  He most recently had participated in UCSB junior lifeguards, baseball at GVSLL, had tried fencing and had expectations to continue in the coming years, he had also just started water polo at SBWPC.  He enjoyed all types of water sports.

Among many relatives, he is survived by Aunt and Uncle Barb and Matt Graybill, cousins Nathan, Amanda, Molly (Plourde), Tami (Rivera), Renee, Josh, Bethany, and Lucas;  Aunt and Uncle Laura and Mike Cottriel of Lancaster, CA, cousins Maren (Graff), Rayna, Alisa, Sheena (Meyer), Marc, Savanna; Aunt and Uncle Dianna and Bill Cottriel, cousins Jenelle, Jeremy, and Jessica; cousin Steve Davies and family, Grandma Peg Boysel of Hawaii, Aunt Anna Lowery, cousins Robin, Kalani, Kalei of Hawaii, and Aunt Dottie Little of Carmel, CA and cousins Michael and Christy.  He also leaves behind many dear friends that were an important part of his life.

He had just started La Colina Junior High School and was looking forward to the next phase of his life.  The following is an autobiographical poem he had written last week for his third period English class.

By Jake Boysel

I was born as the eighth month died
As a child I remember the booms of fire works and the laughter of friends
I remember learning to read
Now I’m grateful
All I need is a book to relax
I have seen the expanse of the Grand Canyon
I’ve felt the cold spray of the Atlantic
I have smelled the scent of pine forests
I have tasted defeat and success
I know I still have lots to do in life
But I’m still proud of what I have already experienced
I once played in the rain for so long I caught cold
But it was worth it
I remember long car rides, crackling fires,
And a place I could always call home.
I once made macaroni……It was a disaster
I loved to go to the movie theatre to watch a movie
I remember parties that made me the happiest I have ever felt in my life
I remember being with family and friends and thinking,

This is the best it gets.