Cory’s family are devastated to announce the sudden and tragic passing of Cory from a crash in his beloved truck on Saturday January 31st, 2026 at the age of only 18.  He was the cherished son of Arjan and Woulien, big brother to Aiden, Hailey, Matias, and loving fiancé to Cadia Turcotte.  Cory was the precious great grandson of Jopie Meekel, and Woutertje Bakker, and grandson to Pim and Cora Spelt, and Teun and Willy Lok.  He will be fondly remembered by all his uncles, aunts, cousins and many friends.

He had a deep love for farming and everything connected to it, whether he was in the field, talking tractors or playing farming simulator.  He was passionate about diesel trucks, the sound of a hard running engine, all things mechanical, diesel tractors and especially vintage Deutz tractors.  Proud of his Dutch heritage, he embraced it with humour and heart, even known to wear his traditional wooden shoes.  Cory enjoyed good hardy food, a love for grilled cheese sandwiches (tostie), chocolate, ice-cream and the simple joy of sharing meals with others.

Quiet and humble by nature, he was deeply loyal and endlessly generous, always willing to lend a hand without expecting anything in return.  He was a devoted and loving fiancé to Cadia, treating her with constant kindness and care and many flights back and forth to Ontario.  His faith was an important part of his life, and he was a dedicated member of his church, where he also served as a respected and caring junior Cadet councillor, helping young boys grow more Christ like in all areas of life.

Cory’s greatest dreams were simple and meaningful: to marry the love of his life, Cadia, to build a farm rooted in the same hard work and values he learned from his parents, and to raise a loving family together.  He looked toward the future with hope, faith, and quiet determination.  “A life well lived is measured not by years, but by the love we give and the lives we touch.” Cory leaves a mark on all our lives and will always be remembered. 

“Rest easy Cory, the seeds you planted lives on in all of us.”

Everyone that knew Cory and the family are welcome to Public Visitation at the Wilson’s Funeral Home in Lacombe on Monday February 9th ,2026 from 5pm-7pm. 

A Service will be held on Tuesday February 10th, 2026 at 1pm at Sonrise Christian Reformed Church in Ponoka, Alberta.  Interment will take place at Bismark Cemetery for immediate family.  A reception will follow the service at the Crestomere School, led there by a procession of farm tractors and trucks to honour Cory.

To View the Livestreaming of the service use the following link: https://www.sonriseponoka.com/

We ask on Cory’s behalf that anyone attending the service if possible leave your cars and suvs at home and drive a tractor, or truck in his memory and take part in the procession to the Bismark Cemetery just north of Crestomere and gather after at the Crestomere school. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to fiancé, Cadia Turcotte or the Kamp Longview International Cadet Camporee.

Please let this be a HUGE reminder to put on your seat belt and that you can’t borrow time on the highway!