John Webster Cory, 88
John Webster Cory, 88, passed away peacefully at his home in Bigfork, on Friday, April 10, 2009. Mr. Cory was born July 15, 1920, in Spencer, Iowa, to John W. (William) Cory Jr., and Arlene Webster Cory.
John grew up in Spencer, and in the summers his family had a cabin on Lake Okoboji in northwest Iowa, where he enjoyed boating and sailing. He was an avid sailor and enjoyed traveling to other lakes during regatta season.
He was a member of the 1941 graduating class of the University of Michigan, School of Literature, Science and Arts, with an economics degree. His senior year he was a member of the all-campus honor society, Michigamua, and vice president of the Sigma Chi fraternity.
John's first job was with the First National Bank of St. Paul in St. Paul, Minn. In January of 1942 he applied for a commission in the Navy and was ordered to Boston for officers training. In June of '42 he entered the Navy and served the Naval Air stations in the Aleutian islands, from November of '42 to June of '44. He was then transferred to the Naval Air station in Glenview, Ill., and had orders to an aircraft carrier in August of '45, but never had to report.
John met Sally Ballard in Chicago in September of 1944 and they were married on Feb. 20, 1945, in Indianapolis. They lived in Glenview until the end of World War II and then they moved to Spencer, Iowa.
In 1949, John went into business with a couple of partners in a business that made loans and provided insurance to customers. John and Sally lived in Spencer for several years and eventually bought a lot on Lake Okoboji, where they built a summer cabin that eventually became a permanent residence. There they started building a family; and many stories and fond memories were formed that stay with us today.
During John's lifetime his father, brother, as well as himself, all owned Iowa farmland. Land conservation and water quality were very important to him and he worked on various task forces and boards that focused on these issues.
John eventually sold the finance business prior to moving to Bigfork in 1974, when he and Sally bought the Bigfork Inn. John and Sally ran the Inn from 1974 to 1977, and again in 1982, before finally selling it.
He was most recently preceded in death by his wife, Sally, in 2001; and his brother, Ace, in 2005.
John is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Lewis, of Bigfork, and her children, Emily Rose and Cory Brennen; son, Webster, of Sioux Falls, S.D., and his children, Nichole O'Masters and Johnathan; several nieces and nephews; Sally's niece, Susan Nolde, and her husband, Ed; and longtime family friend Mark Vogel.
John was a man of great integrity, wisdom and quick wit. He had many great friends and acquaintances that he enjoyed talking to, sharing life stories, politics or any other subject for that matter; he loved a good debate. He had a great memory and detail for things he experienced in the past and loved to share those experiences. If Michigan was playing football or basketball you better have a good reason for calling or stopping by! He was very pleased of the fact and stated often, "I am proud that I turned 88 in '08."
"He is now in heaven with Sally and the many friends that he saw leave this world before him." He was loved by many and will be forever missed.
Funeral services for John will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 17, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Bigfork.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Home Options Kalispell, 171 Commons Loop, Ste. 100, Kalispell, MT 59901; or to the Bigfork Ambulance, P.O. Box 2020, Bigfork, MT 59911.
Friends are encouraged to visit www.buffalohillfh.com to leave condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.