Cory Michael Stephens

Since he was born on his mother's birthday, Edythe always considered Cory as an extra-special birthday present.

As a child, Cory embraced life vigorously and with excitement.

From an early age, armed with his inquisitive nature, Cory drove head first into an array of activities on a daily basis always providing an exciting ride for his friends, siblings and other family members - especially his parents.

Creative and astute, he developed a talent of putting his thoughts into action by creating new and dynamic inventions which amazed and tickled his friends and family.

As a young adult, Cory permanently moved to California in1988 after experiencing San Diego during his tour in the Navy.

Shortly after his return to California, Cory meet his life partner and husband, Lance Lyle W. Whitmier in Laguna Beach, California in May of 1988.

Having been together since that time, Cory and Lance officially wed on October 24, 2008 in Orange County, California when the state allowed gay marriage for a short time.

As a teenager Cory immersed himself in any new technology, but was particularly interested in telephone systems and all aspects of that burgeoning industry. As a career path, Cory decided to focus his creative instincts into the Telephony industry. Cory lived, breathed and thrived in this technology. Eventually Cory founded his own Voice and Data company "Intelli-Flex" in 1992.

Through the following years, Cory's reputation shone brilliantly as CEO of Intelli-Flex, consultant to Fortune 500 companies, and honored guest speaker as various Telephony industry events throughout the United States.

While technology was his strong suite, 'family' was his passion. Cory credited his stepfather Wayne Van Valkenburg "Dad", with instilling him with the importance of "family". Cory related to Lance, that as a teenager of around 15, Cory had a conversation with "Dad", as a pivotal turning point in his life. The conversation proved to be a poignant moment in time which touched Cory down to his core. Throughout his life, Cory dedicated himself to his family, always making himself available for whatever was needed of him. Cory showered love and attention to his parents, siblings and their children. Due to the proximity of his brother's (Robert Jr.) family in Tucson, Cory developed a special bond with his twin nieces Rebeca and Jessica. Holiday's, birthdays, summer and winter vacations were often spent with them. In fact, Cory celebrated Halloween 2011 at their home in Tucson.

Even as an adult, Cory's adventurous streak showed its strength. Cory's channeled his thirst for speed in his passion for cars, particularly Corvettes. He bought his first 'vette in 1990. His latest Corvette was a ZR1. Licence "CORYZR1"

The roar of the engine was not his only outlet for excitement, as Cory also tackled bungee-jumping and parachuting.

Although always a fan of fitness, Cory within the last few years became a regular fixture at the local gym. With Stan Wada as his trainer, Cory was even amazed at his own accomplishments with the weights he mastered while bench-pressing and squats. Pumped and filled with vigor, Cory could not contain his excitement, as after a workout Cory would state to his friends, "You would not believe what I benched-pressed today!"

Prior to Cory's first chemotherapy treatment, he and Lance spent time at the Grand Canyon. While Lance is a regular nature enthusiast, this was Cory's first visit to this esteemed National Park. Cory and Lance concluded their trip with time in Sedona, Arizona. Attributed to the spiritual nature of these two magnificent locations, Cory exponentially grew more intensely aware of the power of this life and the beautiful possibility of what comes next.

Cory is deeply loved and missed. His light is still shining on us and smiling brightly over the rainbow.

Cory is survived by his spouse, Lance; his mother and Dad, Edythe and Wayne Van Valkenburg; sister Linda Buzby, brothers Robert Stephens Jr and Daniel Stephens.

Cory Michael Stephens of Huntington Beach, California passed away on November 26, 2011. Services were held on Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 2:30 pm in the Westminster Memorial Park Main Chapel.