Obituary of John K Cordrey

It is with profound sadness that the family of John K Cordrey announce his peaceful passing on May 1, 2023, at the age of 81, in his lifelong hometown of Hillsboro, Oregon. John was born on August 30, 1941. The youngest of six children, born to Avondale F. and Helen G. Cordrey. He graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1959, and it was here that he met Marie, whom he would marry on May 4, 1961. John and Marie were married three days shy of 62 years. John was a successful business owner and business partner throughout his lifetime. John first went into partnership with lifelong friend, Bob Peck until 1975. He and his dear brother Tom Cordrey were successful partners throughout their lives. John often said he always felt fortunate that he was able to work with his brother pretty much his whole life. Throughout his lifetime, he owned and operated Main Street Towing, Hillsboro Towing, Hillsboro Auto Wrecking, Scotties Auto Body and NorthWest Wheel Covers. He was hard working and loved to keep busy. John happily retired in 2007, which gave him more time to travel, grow an abundant vegetable garden, continue to perfect his already impeccable yard, spend time with his family and go fishing! He enjoyed making his famous salmon dip and generously shared it with everyone! Most of all, he loved it when his family was all together, gathered around a dinner table, sharing stories, memories and new dreams, in a room filled with laughter! I never met anyone who was richer in friends than he. He remained close to friends he had known since he was in school. Those closest to him were respected and treated as though they were part of his family. His unwavering belief in the importance of family and friends was a guiding principle in his every action. He had such an incredible joy for life and through his humor and laughter, he passed that joy on to all of us. Our breaking hearts are a testament to the gratitude and love we feel for you. As time passes by, the sadness will lighten and the beautiful memories of you will eventually overshadow the ache in our hearts. We will learn to smile as we remember all of the joyous times we all spent with you and the remarkable impact you left on each of our lives. What an incredibly awesome, beautiful man he was, who brought so much laughter, fun, happiness, and love into our lives. John is survived by his loving wife Marie, his daughters and their spouses, Ramona and Michael Roberts and Loretta and Randy Kemper, of Beaverton. Grandchildren, Melody (Josh) Bruns of East Wenatchee WA, Christopher (Jennifer) Rhodes of Hillsboro, Nathan Kemper of Beaverton, and Breanna Kemper of Portland. He also leaves behind three great grandchildren whom he adored, Cordrey, Kaydence and Leah. His sisters, Helen Losli of Forest Grove and Beverly Doherty of Hillsboro and treasured nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Vivian, Robert “Bob” and Thomas “Tom” Cordrey, and his nephew Greg Cordrey. At his request, “I don’t want a damn funeral at a funeral home, I want it to be a cheerful occasion and for everyone to be happy and nobody wearing a suit and tie!” John will be honored at a No Suit & Tie Celebration of Life on July 9, 2023, at The Hillsboro Senior Center, 750 SE 8th Ave, Hillsboro, Oregon 97123. Please join us anytime between 1:00 & 4:00 p.m. for light refreshments and to share a story or two! In lieu of flowers, donations to The American Lung Association would be appreciated, you’ll breathe easier! In addition, the family of John Cordrey would like to take a moment to extend our heartfelt thanks and deep gratitude to his doctors, the incredible nurses, physicians, medical teams at Tuality Hospital and to the paramedics with Metro West. Over the last two years, you all showed John so much kindness and compassion. He boasted about the care and support you provided to him and he appreciated each and every one of you. He told us often, “I couldn’t ask for better care or kinder people to care for me.” For this, we are forever thankful.