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Kevin Corker Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Kevin Corker
John Craig Lurz
April 10, 2025
Kevin and I were friends both in high school and college. He was a lovely person . We lost touch when he went to grad school. Our. Fiftieth reunion from Loyola college is coming up and I found out about his passing as I was helping prepare an In Memorium for the event.
Michael Herlihy
April 4, 2025
One of our wrestling buddies from our days at Loyola College. Miss you
Paul McNamara
January 17, 2018
Kevin, we remember you always - thinking of you today, you're dearly missed.
Marie Byrd
May 29, 2009
With deepest sympathy to Dr. Corker's family. Dr. Corker was an excellent advisor and mentor. His knowledge and support as an instructor was beyond compare. Because of him, I had an outstanding experience as a Human Factors graduate student at SJSU.
Sunil Ravipati
November 25, 2008
Dear Sandy & Family,
Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of Dr. Kevin Corker. I worked with him in the HAIL lab at San jose State when I was pursuing my graduate degree. I am always thankful to him for giving me the opportunity to work with and be part of his work.
My apologies that I could not make it to his funeral service.
sam corker
May 30, 2008
My father!!!! well what can be said except that he was the best.. i think about him everyday! he has been there for me trough everyting and will continue to be there for me for many years to come, all i have to do is look up and he is smiling down on me and my sister sarah!! i can't describe the sadness that i feel for having lost him and only knowing him for such a short time , but in the time that i did know him he was a mentor a loving caring human being, and most of all a great father! i thank all of those who wrote something here about him and knew him!! i know he is with all of you as well!! i miss you dad and i know you will be thee for me and for all those that need you! i love you soo much and miss you more than ever. thank you for everything you have given me! "COOL BEANS" i love you man
Bill Nelson
March 7, 2008
Dear Sandy:
I am so saddened to hear about Kevin's passing. I had numerous enjoyable conversations with him during the course of our NASA projects. I think that the field of Aviation Safety has lost a hero. My prayers are with you and the children.
Penelope Sanderson
February 15, 2008
Here at University of Queensland in Australia, we remember with gratitude Kevin's visit to us for a workshop in January 2005. We recall his superb and inspiring lecturing, and his great generosity of spirit. His passing is a great loss. Our thoughts are with Sandy, who accompanied him on his visit to us.
Diane Robinson
February 14, 2008
I met Kevin when he and Teena
lived in Lynn. Sam was just learning to walk and Sarah was just a twinkle in her mom's eye. I became a part of the family and am thankful for it. Teena and Kevin were wonderful parents who must be very proud of the incredible children they created. I am thankful to have met him and will continue to see him in the eyes of his children.
To his family, I am so very sorry,
I can only hope that Sam and Sarah
will continue his incredilbe legacy of learning and teaching.
Sincerely,
Maureen and Bill Mohrman
February 7, 2008
To Ann,Bill, Sandy and all of Kevin's family.
We never met Kevin but have been praying for him since learning of his illness. We are of Ann and Bill's generation and, being parents ourselves,can imagine in a small way the sadness that losing a child brings to a parent. We were greatly touched by reading the guest book and the story of Kevin's life in the newspaper and from San Jose' State U where he taught. I can see how very justified your pride of him is. Please accept our sincere condolances.
Chris Miller
February 6, 2008
I met Kevin when I was a young engineering researcher on my first boondoggle trip to Europe for a workshop. I remember sitting around cafe tables drinking beer with him in the sun in Amsterdam. He had a love of life-- and of science-- that was infectious. I valued him as a friend and will miss him deeply.
Fred Cook
February 6, 2008
Dear Corkers, I am truly sorry for your loss. Kevin had a special spark and determination that benefitted all those around him. We were teammates and best friends at Loyola High School. All my memories are good, you have my thoughts and prayers during this time. Fred Cook
David Schleicher
February 4, 2008
Dear Sandy and Family,
It was with a very heavy heart that I heard about Kevin's passing. I had a day before related to a work colleague about Kevin and his insightful "BOGSAT" method of prioritization (Bunch of Old Guys Sitting Around A Table). I got to know Kevin in the mid-90's when he and I were fellow NASA colleagues at NASA Ames working in the ATM research community. I was always impressed with Kevin's keen intellect, his impressive presentation skills, and his wonderfully disarming sense of humor. I was fortunate to have multiple interactions with Kevin over the years since we both left NASA. I will always fondly remember Kevin, the constant twinkle in his eyes, and his contagious laughter.
Lisa Bjarke
January 30, 2008
Sandy,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you and the entire family.
Linda Connell
January 30, 2008
Sandy,
My sincerest sympathy to you for the loss of Kevin. He was an incredible person. The many messages here in the guest book describe his intelligence, but also mention his human side. He was a great person and he will be greatly missed.
Keith Preston
January 28, 2008
To Sandy Corker and family, Our deepest condolences at this time of sadness. We will be praying for you and your family. The Preston Family- Doylestown, PA.
John and Margot Woods
January 27, 2008
Ann, Bill, Sandy, Sam, Sarah and family,
As you all suffer the loss of your son, husband, father, brother, teacher and friend, we send out our hearts to you. Kevin was a most wonderful, loving and caring human being whose loss is felt by so many. May the bright memories of the time he spent with those he loved the most comfort you all.
Margot and John Woods
Sharon Whitlock
January 27, 2008
Dear Sam and Sarah,
I am listening to the Grateful Dead this morning in honor of your father. It makes me happy to think that you share a connection to him through their music. Now, whenever you listen to a Dead song you’ll be filled with the joy and sorrow of loving your father.
I spoke with your mom at length yesterday and she shared some of the magic of the last beautiful days you spent with him. I’m so happy that you experienced so much beauty in his last moments. She told me how deeply proud she was of your maturity in such a difficult situation. I didn’t know your father well. My only connection to him is through knowing both of you and your mother. You are both beautiful children and your father’s kindness, humor, and intelligence left a noticeable imprint on both of you.
I’m saddened to think that you lost your father at such a young age. There is never enough time to spend with your family to communicate the depth of your love. You will always hold that love with you though, and it will translate into the love you share with others for the rest of your lives.
I’m listening to “Not Fade Away” with a smile on my face and tears in my eyes. I send all my love to you.
Sharon
Bill Grubaugh
January 25, 2008
Kevin (Dr. Corker), you let me explore a circuitous route to clarity with humor and sincerity, and within a clearing in the forest stood not only a teacher, but a friend. Thank you for the opportunity study and learn what at times seemed beyond reach.
We will miss you but not forget you.
Maziar Moezzi
January 24, 2008
.... I just can't believe it what I am reading....
Dearest Professor Corker,
As I am so saddened to hear this news as I recall taking your animated ISE-130 Statistic course in fall 2000 and you taking the time explain most complex concepts with the simplest finesse. As I use to work at SJSU one building away from you for several years, to be exact 7 and I would always see you enter the Engineering and leaving or the Student Union and you always said hi to me….as always a very humble person.
To all,
Professor Kevin Corker – One of the most talented teachers I ever had the experience of being thought by as he was so dedicated and willing to be there for all of his students and especially in his discussions in office hours...
To the family of Professor Kevin Corker,
My deepest condolences to you all at this very sad time of life, but his legacy will continue with you and you family’s children so please continue the inspirational drive as he was truly a inspiration to all…
Tom K
January 24, 2008
Dear Sandy,
I am so sorry to hear of your tragic loss. I will always remember Kevin as a wonderful person to work with, and as a brilliant scientist, engineer, professor, and researcher, who positively touched the lives of many people. We will all miss him.
Please take care of yourself. If there is anything I can do for you at this very difficult time in your life, please let me know.
Ruth Loewenhardt
January 24, 2008
Dr. Corker was an educator that truly cared for his students. He recognized the potential in all of us and let us learn to the best of our ability. He was the liaison between SJSU and the student that enabled many aspiring HF/E to get into the program. It was due to his commitment that he did whatever was in his means to assist with students completing their program. Many people are indebted to Dr. Corker for jump-starting their lives as Human Factors professionals. Without Dr. Corker many students would not be where they are today. Incoming students will miss knowing Dr. Corker but his legacy will live on in the hearts and stories of all who were touched by this incredible, personable professor.
Chiao-Yu Lu
January 23, 2008
Dr. Corker was more than a mentor, professor, or even a boss to me. I had the honour & privilege to work for him and study under him for 2 years, but he will be a lifetime influece on me. His dedication will always be an inspiration for me.
Joanna Sim
January 23, 2008
Prof Corker cared about his students. He went above and beyond for us, even the International visa students like me, to ensure that we would have a fulfilling and enriching time at SJSU. He will be dearly missed at SJSU and his shoes are not easy to fill.
Savvy
January 23, 2008
When I first came to this country, I met Kevin in 1999 to interview as his teaching aide, little did I realize at that time that it will change the course of my professional life. I owe a lot to Kevin, he inspired me and supported me through several phases of my professional and personal life. I have been privileged to have known him as a teacher, boss, colleague, and friend. He will be so missed.
Sandy, My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Victor Lebacqz
January 23, 2008
Dear Sandy and Kevin’s family,
It was my honor and privilege to know Kevin for 15 years, and to have him call me his friend. In my experience, he was unique in his intellect, his curiosity, and his ability to look at problems in ways no one else could. He was also unique in his ability to be a friend. I remember well the “frozen trip” we three had to Washington DC, Sandy, and an early trip to Toulouse in which Kevin confidently got the three of us lost, and another trip I made with him at which I watched my daughters being charmed by, and enchanted with, him. Possibly my favorite memory is a more recent one, when he asked me to come from Washington DC when I was the NASA Associate Administrator, so that I could talk at the San Jose State University Engineering Honors dinner, and watching how his students esteemed him. He was a friend to a fortunate few, an inspiration to many, and his loss is a loss for us all. I send to you my sincere condolences and sympathy during this really terrible time, and my hope that your family and your NASA “family” will provide support to help you through it.
Eve Spector
January 23, 2008
Sandy:
My deepest condolences to you and to all of Kevin's family at this very sad time of life. It was my pleasure to work with and for Kevin and I will always remember him with much affection.
Sheryl Wold
January 23, 2008
Sandy and family
I want to share my most heartfelt sympathy at Kevin's passing. Kevin was a great person and his death will leave a hole in so many hearts. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this time of grief.
Sheryl
Michaux Burchard
January 23, 2008
As a student of Dr. Corker, I felt a lot of passion from his teachings that inspired, fueled and expanded my logical and creative thoughts. I wish all the happy memories to fill and warm our hearts at this time. With deepest condolences, Michaux Burchard… Fall 2007 Human Factors ISE 298.
Barry Kirwan
January 23, 2008
Sandy, my deepest condolances. Kevin achieved what most of us only dreamt of. He will be greatly missed.
Catherine Lachiver
January 23, 2008
We had a good time together at the ATM R&D Seminars, in France, Italy, the US, Hungary...
Sandy, I hope to see you sometime at the EUROCONTROL Experimental Centre.
Catherine.
Danny Sallas
January 23, 2008
Sandy -
My prayers are with you and your family at this very sad time. Like you, Kevin and I go back a long way when I worked at Ames Research Center especially in the Human Factors Division. Kevin was a very kind and humorous person and his humor is what I will remember most of all. We had many many laughs and kidding each other a great deal over the many years we knew each other.
I will never forget those wonderful times we spent together. He is in my heart as are you and your entire family and my memory of Kevin will be with me for eternity.
Love and Prayers,
-Danny
Kevin Jordan
January 22, 2008
Sandy, Sam, Sarah, and the rest of the family,
It has been such a gift to know Kevin over the years, both as a colleague at NASA Ames and as a fellow professor at SJSU (a title that we both cherished). I miss him terribly but will forever remember his passion, wit, kindness, and intelligence. Thank you for sharing this wonderful man with us!
Anne Marie Noss
January 22, 2008
I knew Kevin as the beloved big brother of my best friend, Kathleen. And as I knew that my big sister hung the moon for me, so did I know that Kevin was that kind of brother to his sisters. My thoughts and prayers to his wife and children, and to his parents. From what I know of him from Kathie, he leaves giving them, and those who loved him, the gift of treasuring what is important in this life. Strong and loving, a ripple in still waters.
Nahida Lebbos
January 22, 2008
I was deeply saddened to hear about the death of Dr. Corker.
My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Dr. Corker was such a wonderful, inspiring, generous and supportive professor to be around. I am honored and privileged to have had the opportunity to be one of his students at SJSU. He always made me feel welcomed whenever I walked into his office with a problem or a question. He will be greatly missed.
Emily Wughalter
January 22, 2008
Dr. Kevin Corker was a valued colleague. I enjoyed so much the times we had to work alongside one another and guide students through theses and projects. Kevin was the consumate professor: caring, rich in his knowledge, sensitive to students needs, and on and on. I will miss him tremendously.
With the greatest respect,
Emily Wughalter
Jason Wise
January 22, 2008
As a teacher and mentor, his impact on the lives of many is indelible. I am one such lucky person. He guided the way through my many academic “crises” with wit and wisdom. I never left his office without at least one laugh, regardless of the circumstances of the visit. Grateful for the opportunity to know him, I say thanks.
Isaac Karami
January 22, 2008
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Dr. Corker was my advisor and a great role model for life. I am deeply saddened to learn of this news.
SJSU student MU
January 22, 2008
Thank you Dr. Corker for being so sincere and caring about your students.
Thank you for teaching us what a devoted researcher is and how much a person can do in one day.
I will miss knocking on the door of ISE building and see your welcoming smile.
Deepest prayers to your family and loved ones.
Rick Page
January 22, 2008
Sandy and Family
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow. Kevin will always be remenbered as a wonderful co-worker and friend. We at the William J. Hughes Technical Center will miss him.
Karen Buondonno
January 22, 2008
Sandy, I am so sorry for your loss. Kevin was the most interesting, kind, funny, and down to earth genius I ever met. I feel privileged to have known him. He will be greatly missed by many friends and colleagues here at the FAA Technical Center. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Albert Schwartz
January 22, 2008
To Sandy and the Corker Family, we are deeply saddened by your loss. Kevin was a wonderful human being and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with you. Al and Barbara Schwartz
Robert McCann
January 22, 2008
Sandy, my thoughts are with you and with all the members of Kevin's family. He will be greatly missed.
Glenn Meyer
January 22, 2008
I worked with Kevin on A3I, years ago, when he was at BB&N, and remember his energy and enthusiasm. It seems like yesterday. Please accept my condolences.
Eleana Edens
January 22, 2008
Dear Sandy and family, I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Kevin was a delightful man and an objective, brilliant scientist. But mostly he was a nice person. I wish you all peace and recovery after your sad ordeal. Everyone that knew Kevin will miss him.
Don Winslow
January 22, 2008
I think that Kevin would agree with this description of his life:
"Life is not a journey to the grave
with intentions of arriving
safely in a pretty well-preserved
body, but rather to skid in
broadside, thoroughly used up,
totally worn out and loudly
proclaiming... Wow! What a ride!"
Zemaya (Pamela) Jones (Pfarr)
January 22, 2008
I grew up with Kevin and even at a young age he was courageous and brilliant. He taught me to see beyond the mundane and question closely held beliefs. His passion for life, his family and children, was inspiring. He was a truly loving man willing to sacrifice to find the truth. Sandy, and the entire Corker family, I feel your loss and I am truly sorry.
Phyllis Kayten
January 21, 2008
Sandy, my thoughts are with you. When I was at NASA, and before at the NTSB and FAA, he was "scary-smart", intense, and one of the funniest people I knew. He will certainly be missed by all.
Tin Truong
January 21, 2008
Dr Corker was a great teacher with a unique sense of humor.
January 21, 2008
I'm a student of Dr. Corker through SJSU. I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. His teachings have impacted and influenced many at SJSU. May God be with you and your family at this time. -ES
Jose L Garcia-Chico
January 21, 2008
I went to SJSU because he was there, with doubts about the unknown. I never regretted. He was a wonderful and inspiring adviser, teacher and colleague, but above all an honest and kind-hearted person. I am proud to have had the opportunity to meet and work with him. I will never forget his humor, his smile, and generosity. I will terribly miss him. To his family, my most profound condolence.
Patty Jones
January 21, 2008
Kevin will be greatly missed by his human factors colleagues here at NASA Ames. His intelligence, wit, passion and dedication made our Division a wonderful place to be. And his research work in aviation human factors made great national contributions to aviation safety.
Ed and Barbara Johnson
January 21, 2008
Dear Family,
Ed and I are so sorry for your loss. Kevin was a great part of our family. He loved visiting here in the country, so we have many great memories. One of the funniest was when we were building our log home and Kevin was going to help by driving the tractor to push dirt around. He was on a slight hill and not being a farm boy with tractor experience, he tipped the tractor over on it's side. What a surprise that was to him, as he thought he had things calculated out to work right! It was fun watching Kevin and Sam down at our pond fishing, but never catching anything. Then Kevin, Sam and Sarah would go "exploring" down in the "Manzanita" brush area behind the house where all the deer paths were. He was the best father to his children, and together with Teena they taught them well, as they are very sensible young adults, polite,respectful,caring and well liked by everyone.
The one thing that I will never forget about Kevin was that when he made coffee, it was so strong it nearly walked out of the pot. He must have used a half a pound per pot. When he stayed at our home we always bought extra coffee, because it would be gone when they left. Bill and Ann, I know you are so proud of your son with all his great accomplishments but, God wanted him too and maybe he is now teaching at another level. It is hard to have a child go before us, as we believe we will go before our children. I also have lost a child and we can only think about the good momories we have about them to get us through the days. Many times I would think of this saying that an Italian man said to me at The City of Hope Hospital, "After Winter, Spring always comes". Life will go on also.
The Grandparents of Sam and Sarah
Father of Teena
Ed and Barbara Johnson
Sandy & Kevin at home
sue pereira
January 21, 2008
Kevin had a way of always making a person feel welcome and cared about. He treated everyone with respect and compassion. Logical and reasonable, he never missed pointing out the irony in things. His humanity showed even in the worst of times.
The world will be a little less gentle place without him. He will be missed terribly.
In loving kindness,
Sue, Richard and family
Gretchen Cheney
January 20, 2008
Sandy I am so sorry about your loss.
belle wei
January 20, 2008
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Kevin Corker.
Kevin was a star in the College of Engineering at San Jose State University. He was talented, dedicated, hardworking, and had a sense of humor. Being Associate Dean for Research and an accomplished researcher himself, he advised many faculty in the College on their proposal preparations which led to grant success. He was also tireless in teaching and mentoring students, many of whom came from other parts of the world to seek his guidance and teaching. Like a star disappearing in the night, his passing leaves a deep void in our hearts and minds.
I am privileged and blessed to have the opportunity of working closely with Kevin as part of the Dean's team. Knowing Kevin, I know he would urge all of us to move on with a spirit of optimism and cheerfulness in spite of the vicissitude of life.
Belle Wei
Dean of Engineering
San Jose State University
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