Cory Michael Lux

SPOKANE, Wash. - Cory Michael Lux was welcomed into the heavens on April 4, 2009, after an unpredicted second battle with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Despite the odds, he had survived one round of the illness, a testament to his enduring will. Though his spirit and will were strong, it was still too much to ask of his physical body to fight ARDS a second time in less than four months.

Cory was born on March 6, 1973, to amazing and joyful parents, Tom and Judy (Judd) Lux in Billings. He spent the first three years of his life in Montana, gaining the important status of "native Montanan" before moving to Spokane in 1977. Raised in the greatest neighborhood in the world, Cory rode his big wheel, played Ghost in the Graveyard and Pickleball, "walked the block" and, at the tender age of 8, was elected mayor of Gleneden for the St. Patrick's Day parade. He loved athletics and was a mainstay with his Mom at the Bloomsday finish line for 25 years. You might also have seen him with his best buddy, Dad, at Hoopfest, Rosauers Fantasy Football breakfasts or serving food at the Lilac Surprise bike ride, Mead HS sporting events, Gonzaga Basketball, Shadow soccer, Seahawk football, Coug and Griz games, or NCAA tourney basketball. If it involved a sporting competition, he'd likely be there - in the packed Arena with Mom watching ice skating or just he and his dad seated nearly alone at Albi stadium watching a poorly attended football game.

Cory grew up in the Mead School District, attending Farwell, Shiloh and Midway Elementary Schools, Mead Junior High, and graduating Mead High School in 1992. He loved learning and, in 13 years of school, never missed an assignment. A dedicated student, he spent many summer mornings studying with Mom preparing for the upcoming year so as to not fall behind once school started. His basketball career culminated in the sixth grade when he scored a basket at Midway and brought down the house. Cory served as the manager for the high school soccer team and was Cash Stone's understudy in the Mead wrestling program. Other sports' coaches would argue over who would get Cory as the manager because his inspiration led the teams to district championships or beyond. He was also his Dad's right-hand stat man with U8-U19 boys "silk shorts" soccer teams. Most notable was his incredible support and pride for his teammates. Cory received numerous honors during his school days from a personal award by Don Kardong to candidate for Homecoming royalty. In his senior year in front of a packed gym, Cory received the distinction for Inspiration and Service to Mead Senior High school. His graduation had the crowd chanting "Co-ry, Co-ry" with everybody on their feet. What a day!

Education continued at Spokane Falls Community College, where a new suite of friends were made. In a packed house with an "Einstein" label on his cap, he received his Associate's Degree in Library Science to a standing ovation in 1997. Hired by Spokane County Library District, Cory began his life of service and dedication to his job. He worked most recently at the North Spokane Library, but his career included the Argonne Library and Administration. Cory loved every aspect of his job, labor and coworkers. In 1998, he was awarded Vocational Person of the Year by Aurora Rotary.

You may have seen Cory at the Opera House attending the Broadway Musicals: smartly dressed and smiling from ear to ear. He anticipated the announcement of the upcoming season like a kid at Christmas and sat riveted through each play, critiquing the quality over pie with his Mom and Tina Stratton.

Cory impacted our community AND our world. He never got too tied up with headlines, but honed in on the important part of life, personal relationships - and with that, improved the world person by person. When you were with him, you worked at being a better person. In his 36 years, he never said a negative word about anybody or met a "bad" person - he had total faith in humanity. He knew no limitations. Anything was achievable. So many friends and relatives have shared their stories of his inspiration and we are grateful to hear each and every one. We will miss his "Just Great" attitude.

Cory joins in heaven all his grandparents: Ray and Dorothy Judd and Tom Sr. and Hazel Lux; and his aunt, Vicky Judd Rowland.

He is survived by his brokenhearted family: parents Tom and Judy Lux; sister Cristi and brother-in-law Chris Migliaccio and their children, Gianna, Analise and Noel; aunts Linda (Dick) Myers, Jeanine (Jerry) Kimble; uncle David (Lauri) Judd; cousins Shelly (Brian), Ken (Molly), Kim and Rochelle (Chad).

Our deepest appreciation to all the staff at Holy Family Hospital, St. Luke's Rehab Hospital and Drs. Puruckherr, Green and Gordon.

A memorial celebration of Cory's life will be held Saturday, April 18, at 10 a.m., at Covenant United Methodist Church in Spokane.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made in Cory's name to: Covenant United Methodist Church, 15515 N. Gleneden Drive, Spokane, WA 99208; or Spokane County Library District, North Spokane Branch, 44 E Hawthorn Road, Spokane, WA 99218; or Cory Lux Memorial Scholarship Fund, Washington Trust Bank, 1906 W Francis Ave., Spokane, WA 99205; or charity of your choice.

Cory, "You raise me up … To more than I can be." We love you, Bud. We'll see you again.