Cory Jarock’s family mourn life cut short
TRAGIC LOSS — A memorial service is being held today for Cory Jarock, who died in unknown circumstances in Invermere last week. Photo submitted
By Kate Irwin
Pioneer Staff
A popular valley house painter is being remembered by friends and family after his tragic death in Invermere on Tuesday April 3rd.
Cory Jarock, 31, passed away in unknown circumstances last week after leaving a house party on 5th Avenue, Invermere on the night of Monday, April 2nd. He was found deceased the following morning in the driveway by the property’s residents.
The RCMP and B.C. Coroners Service are investigating the tragedy, but have released little information about the sudden death to prevent compromising the investigation, said Staff Sergeant Marko Shehovac of the Columbia Valley detachment.
The investigation is now in the hands of the Kelowna Major Crimes Unit and more information is expected to be released in the next week, Staff Sgt. Shehovac added.
Cory, who attended JA Laird Elementary School and David Thompson Secondary School, lived in the valley for 17 years. The devoted son, brother, uncle and nephew was a well-known tradesperson who worked for many years in the local area as a house painter.
“Cory was always a hard worker, a happy guy who loved to tell a joke or pull a prank,” said Cory’s younger brother Mike Jarock.
He was passionate about his line of work, a profession his father, David Jarock, introduced him to, said Cory’s mother Shirley Peevey.
“He just loved his painting and fishing with his ‘big brother’ Big Al,” she said. ““He was a very loving and caring person … a very mellow guy. He had a lot of friends here.”
The Jarock family moved to the local area from Edmonton when Cory’s father, David Jarock, became the resident painter at the Invermere Inn. Cory and his brothers, Mike, 30, and Trevor, 33, grew up in the local area and were well-known faces in the community.
“I knew the family for 30 years and saw the boys grow up over the years,” said Todd Mitchell of the Invermere Inn. “It is a terrible tragedy and such a deep loss.”
A memorial service will be held for Cory today, Friday, April 13th, at 2 p.m. in Edmonton. Those wishing to pay tribute can meet at the Invermere Inn at 2 p.m. for a live transmission of the service.
What can I say about Cory other then he was one of my great loves. He was one of the kindest people I know. He lived by his own rules and was the better for it. If you got the pleasure of being in his life, you were enriched by his sweet nature and great sense of humor. I find the world a darker place without him here. Rest In Peace, my dear friend. Your life will live on in my memories and my heart. Thank you for your friendship, I will miss you always.
Ms Irwin, I want to thank you for writing a positive article about Cory and his family. Especially when it appears to be a questionable and tragic circumstance. You portrayed him as a real person regardless of what may have happened. I never met Cory, but he is related to me, as his father David and I are first cousins. How sad it is when families move and live our own lives and fail to connect with our relatives. Thank you for helping me do that.