Cornelis Hoogendam, known to his friends and family as “Cory,” passed away peacefully on June 12, 2019, at the age of 85. He was surrounded by family and friends, but most importantly by his side was Helen – his wife of 56 years.
Born to a farming family in Osdoorp, Holland, on November 13, 1933, Cory was one of twelve children. Cory absorbed the values of his parents, such as love of family, integrity, kindness, fairness, and entrepreneurship. Cory also grew to love the United States because, in his mind, Americans helped to free all of Europe in World War II, including the liberation of occupied Holland.
Cory attended a vocational high school in Holland and worked as an auto mechanic. He eventually moved to Canada where his brother had immigrated several years before. He then moved to Austin, Texas to study mechanical engineering at The University of Texas. Working his way through school at an automobile repair shop, Cory graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1963. His first job out of college was with Mission Manufacturers in Houston whose President agreed to sponsor Cory’s citizenship process.
Shortly after moving to Houston, Cory went to a Catholic Young Adults Group Party, where he met Helen Marie Rigamonti, whom he married on June 1, 1963. Cory was so proud of Helen and celebrated their 56 years of marriage with several anniversary parties over the years attended by friends and family. He wanted everyone to stay until the end of the celebration.
Cory never forgot his dad’s farm in Holland and always wanted to start his own business. In 1965, Cory read a book on real estate, and he and Helen decided to start a company by buying apartments. Their first apartment building, Lencor, is named after the last three letters of Helen’s name and the first three letters of his. Cory and Helen went full time into real estate in 1973. Cory also became a licensed real estate broker and formed partnerships with others to purchase apartment complexes in the Houston area. Cory treated his employees like family and kept up with many of them long after they retired. Cory never retired, running the business until the end of his life.
In the early 1990s, Cory became a citizen of the United States. He always said that he was Dutch by birth and American by choice. Cory loved his home country and raised his children to appreciate Dutch culture and traditions. Cory was an active member of The Holland Club of Houston, where he made many lifelong friends. He served two terms as the Club’s President and loved to plan and host Holland Club events including card parties, beach fish fry parties, and other parties and dances.
Cory loved the beach; he proposed to Helen on Galveston Island. When they wanted to buy a bay house in Galveston, he insisted the house have a great view and plenty of room for his 11 grandchildren. Cory and Helen have enjoyed spending time there, and the boats going by in the canal reminded him of Holland.
Cory had boundless energy and a zest for life and loved to say, “You never regret what you do; you regret what you don’t do.” Cory followed that motto to the fullest. He was an avid traveler and took his family to Europe, drove all over the United States on road trips, and attended countless events to watch his children and grandkids. Cory was a passionate supporter of free enterprise and the American way, and always was the life of the party. He never turned down an invitation and was usually the last to leave.
Cory is predeceased by his parents, Cornelis and Trinje Hoogendam; his brothers and sisters, Arie Hoogendam, Bernardus Hoogendam, Petronella Kreike, Joost Hoogendam, Trinje Houton, Aag Maarssen, Fia Zegfeld, Cornelia Eigenhuis, and Gerri Hoogendam.
Cory is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Helen Rigamonti Hoogendam, his four children and their spouses, Michelle Cash (Trey), Jeffrey Hoogendam (Sheila), Melissa Cook (Douglas), Brian Hoogendam (Michelle), his 11 grandchildren, Kiera Hoogendam, Stuart Cook, David Cook, Cameron Cash, Dane Hoogendam, Nathan Hoogendam, Caroline Cook, Drew Hoogendam, Hanna Hoogendam, Carter Hoogendam, and William Hoogendam; his sister, Annie Maarssen, his brother, Nico Hoogendam, both from the Netherlands, and hundreds of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives who loved him dearly.
A celebration of Cory's life will begin with a pre-service visitation at 11:00 AM on Friday, June 21, 2019, at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, 11612 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77024. The ceremony will begin at 12:00 PM, with burial immediately thereafter. Following the burial, all are invited to continue the celebration of his life in sharing remembrances with the family during a reception at the Hoogendams’ house. Cory wanted a celebration with a keg of beer and beautiful music, so bring your joy, your memories, and your best Cory Hoogendam stories.
