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Korbin “Kory” Scott Kumnick, 19, died Feb. 25 after he had a seizure riding his bicycle home from classes at Diablo Valley College. He was a 2009 graduate of San Ramon Valley High School.
Kory enjoyed soccer and lacrosse. He played Mustang soccer for 13 years. But more than anything, he loved spending time with his family. Family dinners, game nights, hiking and camping – with his parents Scott and Kim Kumnick and his siblings, Kohl, Kenna, Kylie, Mason.
In the eighth grade, Kory began to have seizures and was diagnosed with epilepsy. Within the last year, his seizures seemed under control thanks to a new medication.
Family friend Laura J. Albin has written the following to honor him.
In Loving Memory
by Laura J. Albin
Korbin Scott Kumnick
Oct. 29, 1990 – Feb. 25, 2010
The loss of one we love is overwhelming. Heavy tears, frozen casseroles, fresh cut roses, silent prayers. Decisions to be made, details, necessities. Solitude. Nothing seems to make peace with the confusion, the emptiness, the unimaginable grief that pervades us when we lose one whom we love so deeply. Beyond comprehension, when he is a young man of 19.
Korbin Scott Kumnick passed away on February 25, 2010. The loving son of Scott and Kim Kumnick, and the oldest of five children, Kory had become their Gentle Giant. The son whom they loved with great pride and bravado, a brother who was admired and adored; today a family who finds strength in remembering his pure character, the love and laughter and joy he brought to them each day.
Anyone who has ever met Korbin will tell you the same thing: He had a ridiculously huge heart. As if his entire body were built by heart alone, instead of all the usual insides our bodies are supposed to have. He walked with a lightness of being, a young man filled with generosity, kindness, dedication and boundless love toward his family and friends.
Kory brought laughter into the smallest moments; he hugged tight and had the biggest smile I’ve ever seen. Literally. He had an insane ability to lighten your mood, lift your burden, and make you smile just by walking into the kitchen looking for milk.
He brought consolation to hurting friends in the darkest of corners; he brought pride and courage to his teammates on the field. He brought dedication to his work, and commitment to those he loved. He knew how to persevere despite the obstacles thrown upon his path, and he knew the pain of wanting things that always seemed just out of reach.
Because of Kory, we will remember to take life a little easier, smile wide at every turn, and love on those around us like it’s our final day. Our hearts will be heavy with the pain of his loss, and there will be days when it is still difficult to breathe. But he will be remembered beyond these days, beyond his years, beyond this generation. He will be remembered for his light spirit, his love so deep and easy that it was impossible to resist.
Kory, our lives are forever changed because of your gentle spirit, your easy love, your very life. And when this sadness lifts, when our hearts begin to mend, we will remember you with joy, smiling large, extending your fullness of love to generations yet to come.
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A Memorial Service will be held at 4 p.m., Friday, March 5, at Community Presbyterian Church in Danville. The service is open to the public, and all are welcome.
We consider ourselves privileged to have known Kory. He was an amazing human being touched by God. He will be truly missed. The whole Kumnick family are in our hearts and prayers.
Laura, that is a beautiful letter, thanks for writing it. My son Sam is a friend of Korbins. He hurried home this past weekend from Santa Barbara so he could go to the candlelight vigil for him. He said he wanted to come home to honor his good bud. At the vigil he said Kory’s parents were beaming because they were elated that Kory had so many friends. He said it made them feel not quite as sad realizing that Kory had touched so many people’s lives and that they all loved him so much. Rest in peace dear Kory.
i do not know kory but reading laura’s piece helps me form a picture of what a wonderful person kory was + has touched me. how proud his parents must be. my heart breaks for those i don’t even know… prayers are with you…
What a beautiful letter. Kim and Scott, I’m praying for you, Kory and all the kids every day for peace. We love you!
My heart goes out to you, Kim and Scott! Your beautiful letter about Kory describes such a wonderful young man! What a tribute you have given him. I will pray that The Comforter will be ever present in your lives.
Sorry to hear!
Laura, your write-up and tribute in honor of Kory is enlivening!
May we all have such a nice impact!
Laura, this is not only beautifully written, but perfectly captures the shining light that Kory truly was.
Kory worked for us and I can tell you that this handsome young man was a kind soul, had a huge heart and not one ounce of self-pity despite being dealt a very difficult hand in life. He was an inspiration to everyone around him because he could smile in the face of having to handle so much, and at such a young age.
And his parents are an inspiration as well. Obviously, Korbin was deeply loved to be so well adjusted, he never expressed any anger, frustration or disappointment; though he not only had to deal with epilepsy, but also with the side effects of medication and with people’s fears about his seizures. Korbin’s brief life is a reminder to all of us to be patient with people who suffer in ways that we don’t really understand.
I can’t imagine what Korbin’s parents are going through right now, but I think they are very brave people, because they made every effort for Kory to have as “normal” a life as possible, and although his life was far too short, it is thanks to their courage that Kory’s brief life could be filled with the ordinary joys of being a teenager who lived fully.
God bless you Korbin!
You will be greatly missed Kory, you dear sweet, sweet boy!
“Good night, sweet prince,
And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!”
Laura your letter expressed so beautifully what we all shared knowing Korbin. He was with us last weekend because of our son coming down to see his sister’s play. He and Marten went to the play and then he stayed with us while Marten was in town. I will always think of this time as a gift for my son…and daughter and me. Korbin did have the most beautiful, radiant smile and his hugs were the very best. Life will not continue without Korbin, he is in all of our hearts forever.
Thank you so much for posting such a wonderful letter. Korbin was such a great friend to everyone, and I’m so happy I was able to be his friend. Even though he graduated from SR last year he is still remembered and loved by many students at the school, and students who graduated. I will miss him so much, and his memory will remind me to stay positive despite obstacles or hardships. He was an inspiring person and I, among others, will never ever forget him.
I found my daughter crying yesterday and asked her what was the matter. She talked about her friend Kory, and how they were friends since grammer school, and that she enjoyed being in art classes with him at DVC. And then she told me of what happened. I didn’t know Kory, but I want to send my sincere condolences to his family. I see his smile in the paper, and from my daughter’s description, he was a great person and friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
my heart gose out to you scott I know those boys are your life you guys have overcome so much and now this tragity….. you and janice and steve and colton and jessica are all in my prayers
Laura, Thank you for your wonderful tribute to Kory. You captured his very being in your words. I’ve, not spent much time with Kory, but When I did He was all you described. He was a wonderful young man. His love for his family was unparalleled. We will all miss him, and of course his radiant smile. He has set an imprint in our hearts forever. Scott and Kim, words can not express the sadness I feel for you at this time. I will continue to pray for God’s arms to surround you and give you comfort and peace. May God bess you family with his love and glory.
Hi, Its Nina. Kory was loved by everyone who knew him. Including me. When anyone was upset or something,Just seeing Korys smiling face would put in a bright mood. He is missed. When I found out what had happened, I was trying to convince myself he was still alive, still breathing. But, I knew it wasn’t true. I can’t beilive he is gone. Sometimes when I am in my room, alone I feel that he is right next to me, trying to tell me everythings ok, not to be sad, that he likes where he is. I just can’t imagine how you feel right now. My heart is broken. And the only thing that could fix it, if he was standing next to me smiling, me seeing his face again. He will be foorever missed, and he may not be where we want him to be, but now, he is in a better place now. Love Always,
Nina