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Cory Dustin Pike

During a weekend memorial service for Cory Pike, a close family member took a moment to thank Cory’s parents, Dave and J.J.

“They gave him a wonderful life,” said Daniel Pike, Cory’s cousin. “And they gave us the gift of Cory Pike.”

More than 200 people attended the Saturday memorial at Craig Christian Church to pay respects to Cory Dustin Pike.

Pike succumbed to Burkitt’s lymphoma on Nov. 16 in Fort Collins with his family at his side.

Pike originally was diagnosed in June.

The community came out in support of Pike, raising thousands of dollars to support the 2007 Moffat County High School graduate.

Daniel Pike said Cory’s attitude, even at the end of his life, was what made him special.

“Being sweet-natured isn’t usually something most young men aspire to be,” he said. “He always fought hard, and he fought with grace and dignity that won’t be forgotten.”

Pike had been attending Colorado State University, where he was studying construction management.

Tyler Pike, Cory’s brother, visited him in Fort Collins last summer, where the two made a living will.

“Last summer, I was in Fort Collins with Cory,” Tyler said. “We decided to make a living will with five wishes.

“Cory wrote ‘I wish my family and friends know how much I love them.’ He also said he wanted to donate his organs to everyone.”

Kirk McKey’s son, Kaleb, was a friend of Cory’s, and although he couldn’t be at the service, Kirk read a letter his son wrote.

The letter highlighted how Kaleb viewed Cory as more than just a best friend.

“Cory was my mate,” Kirk read. “He was someone I trusted, someone I could laugh with, share memories and I’m happy to have shared Cory as a mate from kindergarten through college.

“He was someone who lived in the moment. He lived each day as it came and continued to make everyone smile.”

Kip Hafey was Cory’s coach on the MCHS football team.

Hafey said when Cory returned to MCHS from CSU, he typically would pay his former coach a visit.

“He would come back to my class and sneak up behind me and almost snap me in half with a hug,” Hafey said.

Hafey said his lasting memory of Cory will be when he took the senior on a class trip to the Grand Canyon.

“We were sitting at the top of a 40-foot cliff with our feet dangling over the edge,” Hafey said. “Everyone was jumping off, and Cory and I didn’t really care for heights.

“He finally turned to me and said ‘Coach, if I jump, you jump.’ I knew I wouldn’t jump but Cory stood up and said ‘Coach, I’m going to jump.’ I said ‘No, you’re not, because then I have to, too.’ But, with a big smile on his face, he jumped.”

Pastor Rod Compton said he got to know Cory while calling varsity football games at MCHS.

“He just had a way of making friends wherever he went,” Compton said. “With his infectious smile, he will be missed by everyone who knew him.”

But even though he is gone, Cory isn’t likely to be forgotten, Compton said.

“Cory left a lasting legacy,” he said. “He will continue to affect everyone, and what a blessing that is.”