It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Cory Nakonechny on Sunday, December 7, 2025, in Huatulco, Mexico, after a 19-month battle with a rare and aggressive leukemia.
Cory fought his illness with incredible strength and determination. Through every appointment, treatment, and setback, he showed mental strength and remarkable resilience. Cory beat every shitty odd he was given and kept on keeping on throughout his illness, never letting it stop or control him. Even on the hardest days, he remained strong for his family who were his greatest source of strength and motivation.
Cory is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Angela, his daughter Jayde, and his son Carson. Also mourning his loss are his parents, Johnny and Linda, his brother, Jeremy (Vanessa), and their children Mikaela, Zak, and Jaida, his sister, Roxanne (Jeremy), and their children Clarke and Grace, his in-laws, Emily (Garfield) and Ernie, brother in-law Daniel (Sheena) and nephew Dustin (Montana), as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, lake family, and friends.
Cory was born on June 22, 1977, in Dauphin, Manitoba. He grew up in Pine River, attending school in Pine River, Ethelbert and Winnipegosis, making memories and lifelong friendships. At the age of 5, Cory lost an eye, but he never let that hold him back, he worked hard and lived life to the fullest. In 1988 Cory started club shooting for the Pine River Bow Hunters, earning numerous awards for archery and at 14 years old winning regionals in Manitoba and getting 4th in the Western Canada shoot. He became a hockey goalie, playing for Ethelbert, Pine Creek, and numerous Rec teams. Cory spent many years working on the family farm, hauling bales, driving truck, operating the picker truck, hauling logs from the Duck Mountains to Pine Falls, LP, and The Pas. His determination, skill, and love for life was evident in everything he did.
Cory and Angela began their life together in 1996 in Pine River. In 1998, they moved to The Pas, where Cory worked for a logging company and later at Tolko in the sawmill. These early years laid the foundation for a life built on hard work, commitment, and family. Cory and Angela were married in August 2001. In 2002, they took a leap and moved to Calgary, where Cory worked for Gord Cooper who owned Ocean Hauling & Hotshot. Their family grew with the arrival of their daughter, Jayde, on July 16, 2003. From 2003-2005 Cory worked for Coast Appliances and eventually found his calling selling trucks and trailers in 2005 at First Truck and Trailer in Edmonton. After time spent in Sherwood Park living with Cory’s brother Jeremy, and them renting a house in Stony Plain, Cory and Angela welcomed their son, Carson, on June 16, 2005. In October of that year, they bought their first home in Stony Plain, a place known for its open doors, welcoming garage, and constant presence of neighbours. In July of 2009, Cory started working at MacArthur Truck and Trailer in Brandon leading to their move in August 2009 back to Manitoba where they settled in Carberry, building a home filled with love and memories. Cory continued selling the same products out of Brandon while the company changed from MacArthur to CTS then Inland. Cory loved his work and the connections he built with his customers. He was known as a straight shooter who didn’t put up with any BS, he earned the respect and loyalty of those he worked with, many doing business with him for years. Even after his leukaemia diagnosis in 2024, Cory continued to work and sell trailers until he was officially told he could no longer do so. His work ethic mirrored the kind of man he was, genuine, hardworking, and committed to the people around him.
In May 2016, Cory and his family purchased a lake lot near Manipogo. What began as a bush quickly became a labour of love, with countless hours spent clearing land, building a “garage”, and creating a space that became a second home. Their garage turned cabin became a place where many beers were drank, laughs were had, fish were filleted, late nights were spent, and lasting memories were made. It was a place where friendships grew, and a true lake family was formed. Cory could often be found on his lawn mower, as no one else quite lived up to his grass cutting standards. Even after becoming ill, when he was advised to avoid dust and outdoor particles, Cory went out and bought a mask so he could continue cutting his precious grass. If he wasn’t out cutting grass, you could find him cruising the lake in “Suck my Wake”.
Cory had a lifelong love of travel and cherished the opportunity to explore the world. Over the years, he visited Mexico, Cuba, Dominican, Florida, and Las Vegas, creating memories that he treasured deeply. Whether traveling with his wife, Angela, taking trips with Jayde and Carson, or enjoying adventures with family and friends, Cory embraced every journey with joy, humor, and a sense of adventure. Whenever asked about why Cory travelled so much, he would respond that he “did not want to wait until retirement to see the world”. No matter the circumstances, Cory and Angela were determined to travel as much as they could, making the most of every moment together.
Cory had a deep love and passion for hunting. He thrived in the bush, whether in a blind or a tree stand, and there would be a smile on his face for days after a successful hunt. He always had a story to share, whether that was being stalked by a wolf, shooting his first herd bull, or shooting his “dishwasher” turkey. Cory cherished teaching his son Carson everything he knew about hunting, and the memories they shared in the bush will forever guide his future adventures. Each hunting season, his home became a gathering place, of friends and family preparing for their hunts, spending long nights in the garage and early mornings heading to the bush, moments that will be treasured forever.
Cory was a loving and devoted father who freely gave his time, whether it meant coaching, cheering from the stands, or countless hours spent driving to practices and games. He was an amazing hockey and baseball coach to his son Carson and softball coach to his daughter Jayde who will always have the memories of his motivational speeches and caring nature that made the all the kids he coached want to keep playing their sports. Cory was incredibly proud to see his son in trade school to become an electrician and his daughter nearly finish nursing school, just months from graduation. More than anything, Cory wanted to see his children succeed.
Cory’s love extended far beyond his own children to include all of their friends and the many kids he had coached over the years. He proudly followed their journeys, watching games on the TV or downloading apps so he could keep up with their seasons. Cory never missed an opportunity to reach out, sending a text after a big game or simply checking in when someone crossed his mind.
A truly heartfelt thank you to all of Cory’s family and friends who surrounded him with endless love and support through visits, phone calls, and messages throughout his journey. As well as a thank you to the many compassionate individuals who cared for Cory during his hospital stays, including the teams at CancerCare Manitoba in Brandon and Winnipeg, and the nurses and doctors on the GD6 cancer unit at HSC. Their kindness, patience, and genuine care made a lasting difference to Cory and his family and will always be remembered.
Cory had said for years, even before his illness, that he wanted his ashes thrown off a cliff in Huatulco. He was bound and determined to get there and that is exactly what he did. Cory’s stubbornness was a defining part of who he was, there was no stopping him, and it is one of the many qualities that made him so loved by everyone. His memory will live on in Jayde and Carson, and in the countless friends, family members, and acquaintances whose lives he touched.
Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Cory’s memorial page using the comment field below.
