Sad but Thankful

Corey Richard Workman 

Corey and Jack Jr. on our last trip across country

For today:

After living over 80 years news out of left field, still sets me back. A couple day ago Jackie Jr. called from Florida with some terrible news. His son Corey (45), out in Portland passed away suddenly. 

 Corey was about 5 years old when he came into our family. He was an unusual kid, red hair and silver teeth. Yes, all his baby teeth were silver capped, he had a brilliant smile that was sure.

On his first stop at our home, we were Grandpa and Grandma. He climbed right in bed with us and slept the first night there.  He stole our hearts. Although not blood kin, he was an integral part of our family.

When Covid was first raging, we had planned a trip to the west coast. Jack Jr. traveled with us and of course we went to see his family in Utah and Portland.  That is the thankful part of all this. We spent about week near Portland and lot of time with Corey. He had dreams of his own trucking company.  He was asking the best way to start the business, questions of financing, etc.  But most of all just being around him. In Portland he had become active in a local church. He was making things RIGHT.

Years before he had stayed in NC with Jack Jr. and had put a lot of gas on my company account at a local filling station. I knew it of course, Jim Groner the owner had told me. I did not say anything to Corey. After he moved to Portland I received the most amazing letter. He confessed to getting gas on the account and wanted to know how much he owed me.  Of course I told him he owed us nothing. I tought that his putting it in writing was enough for me and knowing he was straightening things out.

(Ben & Corey showing one of the houses they were building in SLC)

When Jackie’s son Benjamin was born, HE stole my heart also. The boys grew up to be carpenters. We visited some homes they were building near Salt Lake City. I assumed Corey was the ‘boss’ on their construction crew since he was senior. Corey set me straight, “Grandpa, Ben is the boss on the construction site I am just a worker.” If he hadn’t told me I would have not known, Ben is no bragger, just a get it done type of guy.

Corey, Jack Jr,  Joshua, Benjamin and Stephen (Jack and his sons).

Things that happen unexpected are mind boggling. Corey will be missed by his mother and the extended family, he leaves 3 daughters and a son to grieve.

(Maddison, Chase, Bridger with Corey (Missing Allura Lynn)

Grandma Joan will miss him. He was like a son to her, having raised him the first few years of his life, while his mother was in the USAF.

 

Nite Shipslog

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