Kory Lewis Hunter

Kory Lewis Hunter (April 4, 1970 – May 18, 2013)

Kory Hunter, devoted husband, father, brother and son, passed away peacefully on May 18th at his home in Palos Verdes Estates, after a 22 month battle with brain cancer. He was 43 years old.

Kory was born in Santa Monica, raised in Seal Beach and Northern California and moved to the South Bay in 1995. He graduated from Acalanes High School in Lafayette, California, and while attending Sierra College in Rocklin, California, began working at his family's business in Sacramento.

He met his future wife, Rory Morrison, at a youth church group while in high school. When she started college at UC San Diego, wild horses couldn't keep Kory away and so he moved to San Diego to be closer to her. After she graduated in 1994, they were married in 1995 in Lafayette and moved to Redondo Beach. Kory continued working at his family's business, Web Service Company, in Redondo Beach. In 1997, Kory and Rory moved to Rancho Palos Verdes. Their first child, Ethan, was born in 2000, followed by Dylan in 2003 and daughter, Kailey, in 2007. For the last nine years, they have made their home in Palos Verdes Estates.

Kory was devoted to his children and participated with them in their sports, in Cub and Boy Scouts, Indian Guides and Princesses and all activities related to their respective schools. When his two boys expressed an interest in karate, Kory signed up and worked on his colored belts right along with his boys.

The essence of Kory was selfless giving. He volunteered every chance he could. He felt a strong need to give back to the community and to help others less fortunate. This past school year, he served as a representative to the Peninsula Education Foundation and helped set up camp and raise funds for the Painted Turtle Camp for children with medical needs. He also helped build homes in Mexico with Project Corazon and Hands of Mercy, volunteered with Rolling Hills Covenant Church in feeding the homeless in downtown Los Angeles, and served on the PTA Board at Silver Spur elementary school. He and Rory particularly relished spearheading the annual float for the Palos Verdes Little League parade. When his health precluded him from continuing at work, Kory called his church to see what volunteer work he could do from home. He became the church's emissary, calling those who had filled out the visitor cards. And how he loved sharing his enthusiasm for his church!

In Kory's eyes, every day was a good day for Disneyland! Kory loved all children and was often recognized for his inner child and young heart. Children always brought out his playful side and he easily became a favorite, loved for his goofy antics. His family supports the Alliance Charter Schools of Los Angeles and Kory was touched and honored to learn that the Kory Hunter Alliance High School is on the drawing board to open in 2015.

Kory loved the outdoors and took numerous overnight Scout hikes with his son Ethan. He also hiked with his family and best friends throughout the Sierras; the more challenging the trek the better! He was nicknamed "Clyde" because no pack was too heavy for his frame. It was the trails of the Palos Verdes Peninsula that first attracted Kory and Rory to the area.

Kory was also an avid skier, participating on the ski team in high school. His need for speed on the slopes frightened his family members! The Hunter's have many fond memories of family ski trips, as well as annual family vacations to Hawaii, Palm Desert, Lake Tahoe, and RV trips across country. He had an adventurous spirit, had a hard time sitting still, and always wanted to explore all there was to see in this world.

Kory never complained about his illness and continued to keep a selfless attitude, always caring about the well being of others. His largest frustration was losing his independence, and his biggest regret was saying goodbye to his adoring wife and three young children. The family is so very appreciative of the support from The Rolling Hills Covenant Church, Dr. Timothy Cloughsey at UCLA, loving caregivers and so many, many dear friends.

Kory is survived by his spouse, Rory, his children, Ethan, Dylan and Kailey, his parents, Jim and Joanne Hunter of Manhattan Beach, his mother and father-in-law, Judy and Mike Morrison of Orinda, California, his sister and brother-in law, Mandy and Heath Gregory of Manhattan Beach and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Riley and Kelli Morrison of Truckee, California. He also is survived by seven uncles and aunts, thirteen first cousins, five nieces and nephews, and of course sweet Lola, his dog.

Memorial services will be held at Rolling Hills Covenant Church at 2222 Palos Verdes Drive North, Rolling Hills, on Wednesday, May 29th at 2:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages that donations be made to The Painted Turtle Foundation (www.thepaintedturtle.org), UCLA Neuro-oncology Department
(http://www.giving.ucla.edu/braincancerresearch), or Rolling Hills Covenant Church (www.rollinghillscovenant.com).