I'm so very sorry for this loss. My first experience with him in the high school parking lot was slightly hysterical as he jumped in my car when I was picking my daughter up and we drove around in circles with him laughing hysterically.  Such a dynamic young man , and so sad to lose him.
Elizabeth Johnson

The end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026 have been incredibly hard. In less than twelve weeks, I lost one of my closest friends of 30 years, my Uncle Richard, and now my cousin Corey. It’s a lot of loss in a very short time, and it still doesn’t feel real.

I had the privilege of sharing a home with my Uncle Matt and Corey when Corey and Dakota were young and in school together—cousins who shared middle names and acted more like brothers. Taking cardboard boxes and sliding down the stairs or exploding spaghetti on every cabinet in the kitchen. Even as life moved our families in different directions, Dakota and Corey stayed close. Corey would call or text Dakota to share what was going on in his life, and Dakota would offer advice. When ever they could, they made time to get together. The last they spoke they were planning on taking a trip to Australia to visit Sam. Their bond never faded.

Corey was a light the moment he walked into a room. He had a mischievous spirit that kept you laughing—but always on your toes. He genuinely loved people. He wanted everyone around him to be happy, to laugh, to feel included. That was just who he was.

To Corey, family meant everything—whether bound by friendship, blood or by marriage. Differences didn’t matter. Love did. Corey embodied what it means to love fully and without conditions, and that’s how I will always remember him and I hope we all remember him.
Love you Corey. Cousin Shauneene

I mostly knew Corey through family gatherings and games. Corey’s creativity and his quick, intelligent mind were evident in games as he strove ever to think outside the box and find fresh, unexpected approaches.

As we pick up the pieces, I am discovering sides of Corey that I did not know – the musical, the spiritual. I wish we had more time to walk some of those paths together.

An enduring memory I have of Corey is how thoroughly caring he was with his grandfather as his health was failing. His love shone through so clearly by his thoughtfulness, helpfulness, and selfless attention to his grandfather. Corey loved his family deeply, and he is missed, deeply.

May Corey's soul rest in peace. my fond memories of Corey are those of a member of  our trivia team. He had a vast recollection of music, sports and television.  I saw him as a warm hearted individual.

Corey was so full of bonhomie and good will. I will always be smiling whenever I remember him. I hope Paula finds comfort in knowing of his positive impact in the world.

Corey lived his life out loud,  thinking deeply, feeling deeply
and loving deeply.  He was dedicated to family and friends. He was creative, talented and passionate .
What do I cherish most from my beautiful nephew?
The way his laugh could energize a room?
The way he tended to his elders so compassionately?
His inability to hate others?
Maybe it's his mashed potatoes?
Or his joy in playing, well, just about anything?
How about his ability to accept people without judgement even when he didn't share their beliefs?
Or, maybe it's all of these things and one more-
The Corey Hug
A heart that wrapped you in so much love 
 it could save the world.

I had the pleasure of meeting Corey last January when he started at Kings. We shared so many great conversations that I will always remember. I loved how selfless Corey was, his joy was truly infectious. We will all miss him dearly.

OBITUARY

Corey Patrick Schmidt

January 4, 1991 – January 19, 2026

El Camino Memorial - Sorrento Valley & Memorial Park

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