Corneliu Viorel Dumitrescu

Cornel (Corneliu) Viorel "Vivi" Dumitrescu was a natural leader whose winning yet gentle presence allowed him to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, he possessed a tough-minded, take-charge attitude. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease in the role of problem-solver. He was the type of person who could execute plans well, and had the drive to step onto center stage and take on whatever challenge confronted him. Cornel always sought the scene where the action was occurring. Sociable, analytical, and pleasant, he was undoubtedly an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

Cornel was born on April 3, 1974. He first greeted the world in Bucharest, Romania at Avrig Hospital. His parents were Grigore and Gina Dumitrescu. Cornel grew up in Bucharest, Romania until he immigrated to the United States at the age of 13 years old. Always able to express himself well, Cornel was always able to be open and direct in his communication and was eternally optimistic in his outlook on life. Armed with a great wit, he was raised to be accepting of others and to employ a strong personal work ethic. These were all traits that helped him throughout his life.

Blessed with a balanced attitude, Cornel was able to relate well to others. He had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return. His occasional role as family mediator gave him the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. He was the oldest of five, and was respected by his siblings. Cornel loved to be around his brother and sisters, Oana, Robert, Irina, and Maria. His parents instilled a strong sense of family values, which he appreciated and nurtured. He always looked forward to family gatherings and often hosted or coordinated these events, with enthusiasm for Christmas, the 4th of July and especially for the annual birthday and anniversary family beach trips.

Cornel enjoyed spending time with relatives while growing up in Romania. Cornel's grandparents were Stefan and Maria Sandoiu. Cornel visited his grandparent’s farm during the summers and loved being with his grandparents and his cousins. After he married, Cornel's extended family included his sister in law Joanna, and his mother and father in-law, Shirley and Peter. Cornel would later expand his experiences with travels to Malaysia, Thailnad, and the Carribean. Cornel loved to travel.

As a young child, Cornel showed his creative ability in many ways, ranging from his various hobbies to his ability to develop new twists on old games. He always seemed to enjoy new activities and was constantly pursuing a variety of interests. He enjoyed playing sports while growing up, with his favorites being soccer, track, and basketball. A take-charge person even as a child, Cornel liked being actively involved. He belonged to Pathfinders and Deacon - Junior. One of his favorite pastimes while growing up was collecting stamps and learning philately from his father. This helped to later develop his organizational skills and desire and appreciation for collectibles.

Cornel was outgoing and animated. He enjoyed doing just about anything with his friends, especially playing games like Hide and Seek and soccer. He attended Portland Adventist Elementary School. Some of Cornel's biggest accomplishments during this time included winning multiple awards for track.

Friends and acquaintances found Cornel to be an easy person to get to know. Some of his best childhood friends were Todd, Jeremy, and Daniel. They would have many stories of kayaking and hiking together. Cornel and family lived next to Rockwood Church before they settled in their home on 160th and Glisan. He enjoyed the company of pets as a child, especially their family dog, Blitz.

Known to most people as a focused, logical, open-minded and driven individual, Cornel was able to utilize these qualities to succeed in high school. He satisfied his curious nature by utilizing a hands-on approach to learning. He was good with facts and had an excellent memory and focus. He graduated from Portland Adventist Academy with honors. He enjoyed sports, track, and basketball.

While it was obvious that Cornel had many of the tools necessary to ensure success in the classroom, he also knew that there were plenty of things to do and enjoy outside of school. Those close to him were well aware of his open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. People appreciated these traits in him. He was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for who they were.

There were other types of relationships to develop during those teen years for Cornel as well. In high school, Cornel dated his "High School Sweetheart", Sophia, who he later married. Cornel liked to go to Multnomah Falls, the Sandy River, and to the movies when on dates.

Although the teen years bring more freedom, for goal-oriented Cornel, it brought more responsibility. However, Cornel was not intimidated by either. His drive and enthusiasm for life led him to accept and even embrace them in stride. He was always a hard-worker, even as a child, and he learned even more about work-life when he was employed at Portland Adventist Medical Center Cafeteria. Cornel's first car was an old, blue Oldsmobile wagon. Cornel was also involved in the community during his high school years.

When there was a goal in sight, Cornel would work tirelessly to achieve it. This was true in high school and especially true for college. As was the case in high school, his direct, down-to-earth approach served him well as he progressed through his academic work. He was able to absorb complex concepts and had an acute sense of how things worked. Cornel attended Mt Hood community college, followed by OHSU school of nursing. He graduated from OHSU with a RN BSN degree. Cornel was an active member of the student body, holding the office of Class President.

Cornel was always a straight-shooter when it came to other people. Folks knew where they always stood with him. This led to him making a number of acquaintances in college, several of whom became good friends. He lived at home until he got married a few months after graduating.

For Cornel, relationships were precious things that should be valued. That was particularly true with his relationship with Sophia Tan-Dumitrescu. They met while they were both working at Portland Adventist Medical Center, when Cornel was a Senior in High School, where Cornel served Sophia mashed potatoes in the cafeteria. On their first date, Cornel and Sophia saw a movie together.

It took three proposals, but the 3rd time "was the charm".

He exchanged vows with "Sophie" on June 30, 1996. The bridesmaids were Joanna, Karen, and Shauna. The groomsmen were Jeff, Robert and Scott. The beautiful couple got married in Sunnyside Seventh Day Adventist Church. The wedding reception was also at the church. Sophia remembers Cornel smooshing cake into her face, getting it on her dress.

Following the ceremony, Cornel and Sophie managed to get away by themselves for a little while to enjoy their honeymoon. The newlyweds went to Oahu, Hawaii.

Cornel was attentive to Sophie's feelings. He did his best to be charming to everyone, but this relationship was special. He brought into it his gift for being able to give freely and generously. This was just one of the things he did to create a happy home. Their first residence was an apartment in Gresham, Oregon. They purchased their first house in 2008, located in Vancouver, Washington. The couple also shared their home with their pets, which they eventually collected-- 3 cats. A good listener with an engaging personality, Cornel was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship. The couple incorporated both old and new friends into their relationship. Some of their friends during this time included Mike and Michelle, Joel, Jeff and Bao, and so many more!

Very much like a kid himself, Cornel identified with the inquisitive and creative side shown by just about all children. He was able to direct his energy and spontaneity towards helping his son acquire many skills, including teaching and reinforcing manners and common sense. Because he was always so in tune with his child, Cornel was often pleasantly surprised by how much pride his son could bring to him. Xander was Daddy's helper and the star in Cornel's heart. Sophia recalls a time when changing a diaper, Xander pooped all over the bed, floor, his legs and feet, yet Cornel took it with a good sense of humor, chuckling in stride at the incident.

As with other aspects of their lives, Cornel tried his best to provide his family with a safe and nurturing home. He also tried to share his enjoyment of other aspects of his life. One area in particular was his love of his pets, his three cats, Floppy, Tasha, and Misu.

Cornel never seemed to be afraid of work and helping others and was often willing, even early on, to tackle new and different challenges. Years ago, Cornel worked as a transporter in the operating room as his first full-time job while still in High School. He worked through High School to begin saving for college, for his accomplished goal of becoming a registered nurse. Though he rarely sought out any accolades for his achievements, he would humbly accept any recognition that came his way. He loved the O.R, as his career life was whole-heartedly dedicated to nursing. Cornel and his coworkers would often goof off in the O.R. to break up the long yet rewarding hours.

Cornel enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that he did. He put this creativity toward all of his pastimes. Some of his favorite hobbies were collecting autographed pictures, stamps, coins, currency, Star Trek and Sci-Fi memorabilia, as well as many other collectibles.

Throughout his life, Cornel developed many likes and passions, things that put a smile on his and other’s face. He loved good food and good restaurants, which included Asian and ethnic foods. When it came to dining, he particularly enjoyed filet mignon and coffee. Cornel also had an eclectic collection of music, always open to a good beat. Many remember his knack for making others smile by singing a tune and adding his own dance to songs such as McHammer’s “Can’t Touch This”.

Because he was not afraid to be assertive and competitive at times, Cornel was a perfect match for athletics and exercise. He was enthusiastic about these activities and his confidence served him well. Cornell liked to play basketball at Drayson with colleagues. Cornel also enjoyed watching his favorite teams and events whenever he got the opportunity.

Cornel held close to traditional values, and as a result, his faith was very important to him. Cornel was a Seventh Day Adventist, with a strong sense of upholding his beliefs.

Cornel Dumitrescu left us on April 28, 2011. His wife and son arrived early in Lincoln City to spend quality time together before his parents and siblings arrived to join them for their annual beach trip. Unfortunately, he passed away unexpectedly at Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital in Lincoln City, Oregon before the rest of his family arrived. Cornel was 37 years old. He is survived by his wife, son, mother, father, brother, sisters, and nephews. Services were handled by Lincoln Memorial Park and Funeral Home.