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Cory Van Leer Obituary
Cory Heikki Van Leer born August 29, 1989, passed away July 16, 2009. Beloved son, grandson, nephew and friend to many. Cory loved life, lived life to it's fullest and was always carrying a smile. He loved his sister, Jessica, his step-brother Joe, his cousins Ian, Michelle and Dalton Van Leer and Noora Eklof, and friends too many to list. Cory is preceded in death by his grandmother, Esther Van Leer. He leaves behind his mother Merja Tukia of Gainesville, his father and stepmother, Mark and Michelle Van Leer of Gainesville.
Cory loved riding his motorcycle, surfing, skateboarding, fishing, playing guitar, traveling and just hanging out with his friends. He was our beacon, our shining light. He will always be a part of all of us whom he touched and will live forever in our hearts. God bless you, Son. We love you. It's impossible to articulate the effect Cory had on all our lives and is still having in our lives.
A Celebration Of Life will take place Sunday, July 26, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at the Thomas Center.
In lieu of flowers a donation to the Crescent Beach Challenge chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, in the name of Cory Van Leer would be appreciated. Make checks out to: Leukemia & Lymphoma
Society, send to: Crescent Beach Challenge c/o Jeff Million, 6830 NE 225th Street
Melrose, FL 32666
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Cory Van Leer
Geri Farah
July 18, 2023
Remembering our sweet Cory. Tony and I miss him and talk about him often. My Mom passed July 16th 2022, I find comfort in knowing that they have reunited, Mom adored Cory. Love and God's peace to all. Geri and Tony
Geri Farah
July 16, 2021
Time may pass but the memory of Cory never will.
Love and God's peace.
Geri
Geri Farah
July 16, 2020
Forever in our hearts. Love Geri and Tones
Ellise Perbtani
July 16, 2010
Mark & Merja,
I'd like for you to know that as painful as this endless grieving process is for me, I think of you often and the exponential power by which your pain is multiplied.
I loved your son so very much. I was delighted to hear from him each time we spoke, and delighted to see him each time we met. More so than my delight for most others. He really knew who he was, and that's an uncommon characteristic among most kids our age.
Cory charmed my parents, and was always welcome for dinner and other such activities. He confidently spoke with them, and made an impression on each member of my family.
Today is a sad one for most of us, as we recall the tragic events of last year, but our love has only grown.
Love, Ellise
kaylan taylor
November 24, 2009
I've known cory for a while and through the years of me knowing him he's helped me so much with life itself. He was such a great friend, and he still is. I know he's looking out for me with anything i do. i prey for him and his family reguarily. i love him, and i still do. i cherish the time i actually got to spend with him. i can truly say my life for sure wouldn't be the same without him being here, and it definteley wont be the same without him.
"when one passes he is not gone, he is always present, and NEVER forgotten."
August,1989-July,2009
one love <3 kay taylor.
i'll be in the sky.
xoxo
September 19, 2009
It was with deep sadness that Gainesville Area Rowing learned of the sudden passing of Cory. GAR has fond memories of Cory rowing with the club.
We are very sorry for your loss.
With deepest sympathy,
Gainesville Area Rowing
Raimo Heikkila
August 3, 2009
Dear Merja,
Our sincerest condolences on your sudden loss.
I remember when I was at Cory's age when one of the most beautiful and cheerful young lady of Helsinki moved to our family house on my request. It was you Merja. You became part of our family. Even as we did not know Cory personally this feels like a loss of a family member.
My parents and sisters are grieving together with me the sadness that you have encountered.
Our thoughts are with you and we would like to wish you to be strong and live through the most difficult times of your life.
Love,
Raimo
Raimo Heikkila
August 3, 2009
Dear Merja,
Our sincerest condolences on your sudden loss.
I remember when I was at Cory's age when one of the most beautiful and cheerful young lady of Helsinki moved to our family house on my request. It was you Merja. You became part of our family.
Even as we did not know Cory personally this feels like a loss of a family member.
My mother and sisters are grieving together with me the sadness that you have encountered.
Our thoughts are with you and we would like to wish you to be strong and live throghts the most difficult times of your life.
Janalyn Peppel
August 1, 2009
Dear Mark, Michelle & Family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time.
Myra Lambert
July 31, 2009
Mark, Michelle, Jessica, and Merja, I can't imagine the pain that you must be going through. I think of you daily. I have a girl friend that lost her son 5 weeks ago in a tragic car accident and I know what pain she is going through. I have you all in my prayers and thoughts daily. Just try to remember all the wonderful times and membories that you have of Cory. I am so sorry.
Brian Rowland
July 29, 2009
Dear Merja,
I am shocked and so, so incredibly sorry to hear this news. My heart is torn apart for you. I can't imagine your sorrow and truly feel terribly for you.
Please accept my sincerest heartfelt condolences. You are in my prayers.
Much love,
Brian Rowland
[email protected]
John Chellemi
July 28, 2009
Dear Mark and family, please accept our deepest sympathy in the sudden loss of your son Cory. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. Only God knows why he was taken so early in life! What a cool kid. Love, Ann, John and Jack
MaryAnne Leary Rosen
July 28, 2009
Dear Merja'
My sincere condolences for the tragic loss of your beloved son Cory. Although it has been many years since I last saw you and Cory, my memories of him are of a fun-loving, happy boy who loved his mother,family and friends.
As you grieve, please know that many, many people are holding you in their thoughts and prayers and will lovingly remember Cory.
July 26, 2009
I love you Cory.
July 26, 2009
Dear Mark and family, please accept our deepest condolences in the tragic loss of your son. We didn't know Cory, but he sounded like a great kid and we're sure you have tons of wonderful memories. Please know you are in our prayers. Love, Howdy, Jeanne and Skyler Weems
Terry Wiggins
July 26, 2009
Jessica, my heart and love is with you as you celebrate Cory's life at his memorial services. I will be there for you anytime. With love, Terry
Debbie Michaelson
July 25, 2009
Mark, Michelle, and the Van Leer family,
I was deeply saddened to hear of your sudden loss. Please accept my deepest sympathies. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Beth (Cowart) Eddy
July 24, 2009
Mark and Family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dan and Cindy Blom
July 24, 2009
Mark, Michelle & Family ~ Our hearts are heavy for you in this hour of grief. We can't be there on Sunday, in person, but know that our thoughts and prayers will be with you.
July 24, 2009
Dear family and friends or Cory's,
My heart breaks for all of you with the tragic loss of such a beautiful
healthy young man.
Although I never met Cory I've heard
through the years of him. Surely his
spirit will live on in each of us.
Peter Collins' mom Jeanette in Yellowston National Park, WY
Marianne Waltz Preisler
July 24, 2009
Dear Merja,
I'm still in disbelief - I am so sorry and am thinking about you and Cory. I keep thinking about his smile and gentle heart and how much he loved you. You made him laugh with such delight. I send you a huge huge hug.
Gregory & Karen Lott & the Junior's Family
July 23, 2009
It was great seeing and talking with you each day. We had some great times Cory and life will never be the same without you. We love you, but God loved you best. With deepest sympathy to your family,
Dan Markham
July 23, 2009
Mark-I am saddened to hear of the passing of your son.Although I never knew him,having two kids of my own,of similar age,I very much can feel for you.I will catch a wave tomorrow with your thoughts in mind.God bless-Danny
judy mcgrath
July 23, 2009
I appreciate the friendship,Cory had with my grandson(Jon) and will always have good memories of Cory,I send my prayers to family and friends. Judy Mcgrath
chelsea webster
July 23, 2009
I would just like to say that cory has definitly made an impact on my, and most of his friends lives. He will never be forgotten, and i pray for him everynight. god bless you Merja and Mark, and im sorry for your loss.
Cory will rest in peace within our hearts and souls. And i am have glad to have seen cory about 3 hours before the accident. and i will never forget his beautiful heartwarming smile that i saw, when he was about to get on his bike and ride with his other friends. It was a truely a moment i will never forget.
see you all at the viewing.
<3 chelsea webster.
Judy Rummel
July 23, 2009
Dear Merja,
My heartfelt prayers go out to you and Cory father and family. I have not seen you Merja or Cory in many years now, since our stay at the Law library, but it dosen't lessen the sadness I feel for you. Jim and I will keep you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time in your life.
love and hugs
Judy Rummel
I am now at the Smathers Library your old stomping ground.
Susan Elliott -Muchow
July 23, 2009
Dear Mark,
It has been about 30 years since I last saw you,probably at the beach.
As I sit here with my three year old daughter in my lap I can not even begin to fathom the grief of losing a child. My thoughts are with you and your family and I hope that the love of your family and friends, even those that you have not seen in years and years can help you through this difficult time.
rachel
July 23, 2009
hi i never had the pleaurse to meet cory but it sounds like he was a great young man and i so sorry for your lost we just lost my nephew at age 23 the day before easter from the same thing cory passed away of it will get better as time goes on again sorry for your lost and remember the good times you all had with him
Kathy Shoucair
July 22, 2009
Merja, Mark and Michelle,
We don't know your family but we lost our son, Jeff Shoucair last Aug. 3, 2008 from a tragic accident also. He was a Buchholz 2008 graduate. As we come upon the one year anniversary of losing our precious boy we are still reeling and trying to deal with this new reality. Our family has a huge void that can never be filled again.
Our hearts absolutely ache for your family. We are holding you up in thoughts and prayers as you begin this sometimes unbearable journey of grief. Reach out to all your loved ones now and hold one another closely. And remember that Cory is with all of you watching over each one of you. His presence will remain forever in your family but only in a different way. Talk, laugh and remember all the good times and try to think about the ultimate joy and peace that Cory is now enjoying. I have no doubt that all of you will be joined together again one day.
Blessings and Peace,
Kathy & John Shoucair, Chloe & Asher
Gainesville, FL
Judith Texada Hoffler
July 22, 2009
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, I never had the pleasure to know Cory but I know his family and my heart goes out to you. You are in my prayers.
Bill Hair Bear & Family Weathers
July 22, 2009
Mark, Merja, Jessica, Michelle and all,
We are deeply saddened to hear of your loss of Cory and pray that your pain is lessended by the good memories. Take care and God Bless
The Lopez Family
July 22, 2009
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
cathy eastin
July 22, 2009
Dear Michelle and family, Iam so sorry about Cory. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this loss. I cant tell you enough how sorry Iam and hope you will call me for anything. Love, Cathy Eastin
Eric Millsaps
July 22, 2009
From all our arguments as kids. To the last words we ever spoke to each other. He was my Brother for life, I never had a real Brother but he was definitely the next best thing to having one. I'm gonna miss him so much. Mark and Merja thank you so much from bringing him into the world He ment so much to so many people. He will be forever loved and missed.
Love you Brotha
Hannah Esty and Mary Farrell
July 22, 2009
Cory was a very caring young man. He was a very good friend to my daughter, when she had just moved to Gainesville, and knew no one. He will be missed and remembered for his kind heart and bringing a smile to all who knew him.
Audrey Stump
July 22, 2009
Hey Mark,I'm praying you will get barrelled really soon and when you are in the tube-Cory will be with you! He will! My heart is broken for you.
Peri Stump
July 22, 2009
Dear Mark and Family,
My deepest sympanthies on the loss of Cory.My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Peri
Myra Lambert
July 22, 2009
Mark, Michelle, Merja, and Jessie, I am so sorry to hear about Cory. There aren't enough words to express the pain that you must be going through at this time. From everything that I have heard about Cory...he was just an all around great guy. My heart felt sympathy and prayers go out to you and your families.
Ed and Elise Martin
July 22, 2009
My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Cory. Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
The Millsaps
July 22, 2009
Dear Mark,Merja and Family.
Our thougs and prayers are with you in your time of grief.May the love of friends and family carry you through your sorrow.
We all be missing our sweet cheeks boy
July 22, 2009
To the Van Leer family,
You have our deepest sympathy for the loss of Cory. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
William and Sherri Garrett
Geri Farah
July 22, 2009
We are all blessed to have had Cory in our lives. He was a truly wonderful young man, loving, kind, generous and a positive role model for so many. Our hearts hurt from the pain of losing him but on the other hand are full from the love that he so willingly shared with others. His smile was infectious; he lit up the room when he walked in. He's precious to many and how the heavens must have rejoiced when he arrived. God bless his family and friends, he will forever be a part of all of us. Love and blessings to all...
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