Richard Kora
Feb 25th 1941 - Oct 28th 2009
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Tamara (Dickenson) O'Donnell
November 6th 2009
As I sat in the funeral, I wanted to get up and say something on behalf of the many students that Papa Kora has impacted over the years but I didn't think I could make it through. He was a teacher, a friend, a mentor and a father figure to me...thoroughout the years, he has been my beckon that brought me back from distant shores.
When I was getting ready to join the military, I questioned whether I would be strong enough to make it on my own...Papa told me I was a survivor and he knew I'd achieve whatever I set my mind toward completing. It was his believe in me that gave me the strength to challenge myself - he was an amazing man that looked into a person's soul and knew what that person needed. Over the last 17 years, I've always stopped by to visit with the Kora family when I was on leave and in Michigan. We spent many hours at the dining room table talking about philosophy - I'll miss his wisdom. I always left with a full belly and a feeling that I had control of my life again.
Thank you Sally, Julie, Steve, Denise, Mallory, Devon, Koralyn and Conner for sharing your world with me. I will always treasure the moments I had with your family and look forward to building more memories in the future. I love you all!
Courtney (Burgess) Bates
November 5th 2009
Living right down the street we (the Burgess and Ott kids) used to play on your merrie-go-round and I don't think we ever even asked, but you never said anything. I will never forget what you taught in Psychology and English Literature (some of my favorite books are the ones we had to read in your class). I also will never forget learning what a "Curmudgeon" meant. Thanks for the memories and I will never forget what you taught!
Desiree Sleeseman
November 3rd 2009
Mr. Kora,
I loved you so much! I had you my Sophomore and my Junior year for my English classes and you always made me smile. Not only were you very witty in your own ways, but you also had a way of showing each and everyone of us different ways to view life. I always looked forward to your class and was always prepared for what you were going to teach us next. Yes I wont lie, I hated English and dreaded the very first day of your class because you gave off such a vibe that intimidated anyone who walked near your room but as soon as you began to talk, I knew that these classes were going to be so much fun! I remember sitting in class making fun of all of the freshman each year with you as they would walk the halls not knowing we were making fun of them. The way you would show us movies in class not caring what the parents thought was so much fun and if a parent did have a problem, you werent afraid to speak about it the next day and make it one big joke. You always had a way with words and making us feel like we were important and helping us get the material even if it was hard at first.
I graduated in 2004 and was in your very last class in 2003 just before you retired. I will miss you so much and you will forever be in my heart and in my prayers!!
You always reminded me of a wizard (or some would say a warlock) but your teaching ways were no less than magical!
Love Always...
Desiree Sleeseman '04
Faye (Wilson) Ayoubi
November 3rd 2009
I just heard of this today. As I read the life story, I thought of how ironic it is that I now live in Kinross, up in the UP of Michigan. The reason this is ironic to me is that I can not tell you how many times throughout the years, as I lived in so many places, experiencing so many things, that I wanted to contact Mr. Kora and simply say "Thankyou."
I am a 1978 graduate of O-E and was very fortunate to have had him as my teacher for psychology my Junior year of high school. I will never forget how he told the class if he could change the life of one person he had fulfilled his purpose on earth. I was his one person, though I am sure there have been many others throughout the years.
Not only did he teach me psychology, he coached me in an independent study course Senior year, and more importantly he counciled me, and guided me, those last two years of high school. He helped me discover a path I would have never known, and helped me to learn to believe in myself. I have often thought of him throughout the years, as I have experienced life, helped others, and had my own heartbreaks. I have often thanked God for the time he spent with me, and the parts of myself he helped me discover and become aware of. He truly changed my life, by helping me to change myself.
My only regret is that I never did get to tell him Thank you for the lasting impact he made on my life. I lost my own father 4 years ago to cancer at 67, my heart goes out to all of you because I understand your pain and how much you will truly miss this wonderful man.
Ronda (Spaulding) Goodman
November 3rd 2009
I wanted SO badly to get up and speak at the memorial service but I just couldn't do it...Haircut, Sally, Steve, and Julie were such a HUGE part of my childhood. We didn't know him as Dick or Richard. He was Haircut. My mom (Rita) and Sally attended business school together and a life long friendship ensued. It's had it's share of ups and downs but I know after being with them that the connection is still there and always will be!
When I think of Haircut, "free-spirit" comes to mind. He was the closest thing I knew to a hippie. He was his own person. Opinionated, but fair. Loyal and loving. Our families spent a great deal of time together growing up...building the cabin, collecting sauna stones at Lake Superior, spending New Year's Eves and 4th of July's together, hanging out before the annual O-E vs. Portland football games, dancing around the house to Dixie Land Jazz. the list goes on and on.
When I learned of Haircut's passing, some things came immediately to my mind. The smell of fresh pine, football games, egg drop soup, and "the hair of the dog that bit you"...just to name a few.
We had kind of lost touch over the years but I am happy to saw that in June while up North, I found the cabin. I left a note to say we had been there and Haircut called me the next week. Though we hadn't seen each other for quite some time, I thought of him and Sally often, especially when my kids' sporting events took us to O-E or we traveled over the Bridge for a vacation. I loved him dearly and will miss him very much!
Christy (Serviss) Davies
November 1st 2009
I as many students received the Mr. Kora experience in psych class. I am a 1986 graduate of OE, and have many fond memories of him. Although raised as a farm girl as many know, I went onto a career in healthcare and recently achieved a Masters in Healthcare Administration. Even as I was taking some of my classes some 20 years later, there were things I remembered studying in his class in both psych and English. He was an amazing teacher a great man and will be dearly missed. He always asked for the best of his students and gave his best in the classroom back. I remember his clever ways of keeping our attention during class and will never forget his smile. Rest in peace Mr. Kora, job well done. My prayers go to all of you during this time of loss. May God bless you with peace and strength.
Christy (Serviss) Davies
Catherine Batora
November 1st 2009
I graduated from Ovid-Elsie in 1979. I had many wonderful teachers during by high school years who touched my life in many different ways, but Mr. Kora will always be in the #1 spot. Although I believe one of my first memories of him as my teacher is him saying to me, "What the hell are YOU doing in MY class?", I know he was a very positive influence in my life and also touched the lives of so many others. He had a very special gift. My thoughts and prayers are with all the family and friends of Mr. Kora.
Jessie Bedoway (Cole)
November 1st 2009
Mr. Kora will be missed by many. I have many good memories of him primarily outside of school, as I often tended to steer the other way, as Mr. Kora and my dad were very good friends, and I didn't want my trouble getting back to my dad. I also recall going over to his home with my parents, and the aroma as soon as you entered he and Sally's home was fabulous. He was such a great cook and loved to feed others evidenced by him often asking if you wanted more. Another fond memory of Mr. Kora was skiing down several snow slopes and sitting in the lodges getting warmed up. He was a great man, and I send my deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
Don Barlow
October 30th 2009
Oh, what memories:
From Dick running in the dark to lose weight, and no one knew how.
To the foursome working together in E Hall: Cole, Pohl, Kora, and Barlow!
Those were the days!!!!
Thank you so much, Dick, for caring!!!!
Mark Thornton
October 30th 2009
Mr.Dick Kora,
I will never forget when in psycology class we would glue money to the hall way floor to see how many people would try to pick it up. I enjoyed your sense of humor and teaching style. You were truly one of a kind.May God bless you and all of your family at this trying time. I hope they remember that during this time of great pain that GOD blessed them first with the Joy of many years with you - Mr.DIck Kora. Some people will never be so lucky as to experience such great relationships. Thank you for touching my Life.
with admiration,
Mark Thornton
Machelle Albaugh
October 30th 2009
I have been Mr. & Mrs. Kora's neighbor for three years now. I cannot say enough about how they made me feel welcome to the neighborhood, especially after having one of Mr. Kora's apple cranberry pies delivered to my house. My son often plays with his grandchildren when they visit and I will never forget when Hayden came home and said he wanted to know if I could see if Mr. Kora had any leftovers because they looked and smelled so good - it was his famous egg rolls that Hayden had his eyes on! My family will miss you, neighbor.
Peace,
Machelle Albaugh
Susan Viglianco
October 30th 2009
You were by far one of the teachers who inspired me the most. I've always talked about you to my children and told them how well you taught. You really made school fun! You will be sadly missed.
Doug Long
October 30th 2009
Dick,
You were one of my first teachers in high school many years ago. You really had a love for teaching and kids. You spent a lot of extra hours beyond the school day with educating all kids who went through Ovid-Elsie. You were one of a kind and will always have good memories of you and your great sense of humor.
Megan (Palen) Schrauben
October 30th 2009
Mr. Kora,
I guess that it is too late to tell you that I used many of your sayings in my classes as well--no smiling or happiness was allowed and there was definitely a freshmen herding instinct that would happen quite often when dispersing for labs. I know that Mary, Emily, Nick, and I were always appreciative that you and Mrs. Ott stayed on for another year as student council advisors so that we wouldn't have to switch advisors for our senior year. Hopefully you didn't forget about the student council trip we took to Chicago where we ended up in a lawsuit, when we spelled words wrong on signs like "pluder" instead of "plunder", or when we went to my family's cottage and you bought enough orange juice to last us until the end of the year. It was nice having someone around that made sure we never went hungry--especially on cold football nights, or during pie nights with the football team. I am sure that you helped influence the voting of me as a "hoover" candidate. I used much of my athletic training instruction from you while coaching and would use my artificial insemination speech for your class as an example for my students when I would encourage them to engage me as their grader. I suppose I have been influenced quite a bit by you and hope that you know you live on in quite a few people.
Megan
Mike Cole
October 29th 2009
Well my long-time friend, I will miss you greatly. I know you are up in heaven having a good time though. So many memories of 30 years of teaching together in East Hall. We sure had our fun together. I remember yelling across the hall at each other (just for fun). I would say you were being too loud and call you fat boy. You would tell me to shut up and call me styrofoam head. (I liked rice cakes) The kids got a kick out of it. I remember when you would have a new freshman class. I would come into your room and we would get in a fake argument and talk about meeting down on Upton Road after school. All that just to see the freshmen's eyes get big as saucers. HA You were a great teacher. You had that great combination of being serious about the task at hand and being humorous also. The kids respected you and knew you were a very approachable person. I gave you a "hard time" (all in fun) about being teacher of the year, but you certainly deserved it. You would probably say I'm rambling, but just a couple more personal notes. I'm glad you were the trainer for the football team for a few years when I was coaching. You shared the highs of winning and the lows of losing with us. I have to talk about our running. Back in the late '70s, you started jogging with me. We worked out way up to 6-8 miles a day. You always said, "If this is so good for me, then why am I not having fun." Then in the early '80s, we decided to run 10k (6.2 mi.) races. We did that for 3-4 years. To this day, I don't know why I could never beat you. You always ran about 30-40 seconds faster than me. I thought I was a pretty good athlete, but when we 10kd, I got humbled every time. Lastly, I respect you for your philosophies and your ability to stauchly stand up for what you believe in. You were never wishy-washy. I remember Susie and I would come over, sit around the table with you and Sally drinking wine and beer discussing everything from raising kids, abortion, or whatever subject came up. Great discussions--Great times.. OK Dick old buddy, I'm done rambling. Goodbye my friend.
Mike
Randy Lyon
October 29th 2009
Mr. Kora taught two of my classes in high school, and through his "curmudgeonry" I became a better student and a better person. He was one of the people that drew me to the teaching profession, and I bring his life lessons with me to my classroom everyday.
My deepest sympathies.
Ginger (Payne) DeLong
October 29th 2009
To Steve and Denise,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Your dad was a very good teacher. I remembered him very well. He was a wonderful person.
God bless you and your family during this sad time.
Rick Rexin
October 29th 2009
I am saddened to hear of Mr. Kora's passing. He was truly an incredible teacher and person. He always made learning fun and treated us with respect. A wonderful teacher and a great person. You will be missed
Ray Drouin
October 29th 2009
Of all the dedicated teachers I had the good fortune to work with during my career at O-E, Dick was by far one of the best. Serious, fair, a sence of humor, and hard working, he brought these traits into his classroom and into the lives of his students everyday.
Shelly Hunt
October 29th 2009
I was completely caught in shock when I found out this sad news. I'm so sorry for your loss Sally, Steve, Denise, Julie and families. Mr. Kora was such a great person and such an interesting person to talk too. I enjoyed his stories, cooking tips and love of the UP. I really enjoyed him as a teacher and friend. Although it has been years since we've spoke, he still will be greatly missed. You all have my prayers for God's comfort.
Shelly (Brooks) Hunt
Leanne Arnst
October 29th 2009
Dear Sally,
Wow, complete shock when I opened the paper this afternoon. I had no idea and I am so sorry. I know that Dick was a fabulous teacher, but what sticks in my mind is the love and mutual respect the two of you showed for each other in your marriage. It is so rare to see a couple with such passion for each other that endured for so many years. You truly are an inspiration to us all. Hold on to those memories forever! Miss you.
Kirsten Cole
October 29th 2009
I really enjoyed the classes that Mr. Kora taught. He had a great rugged appeal to life. I always loved to Trick or Treat at his house and he never said a word to us neighborhood kids when we would play in his backyard! He was a great guy and will be missed deeply!
Lee Helmer
October 29th 2009
What fun High School was with Mr. Kora. I was lucky enough to have him for two classes that were back to back. One day he let myself and a few others go out for breakfast and skip class. His only comment was "just be back before the bell rings or I'll be in trouble". Mr. Kora was a great teacher who motivated students and kept humor flowing in the school. I too will always remember him at his podium with a little green friend on his shoulder.
You are greatly missed Mr. Kora.
Jodie (Easlick) Gillespie
October 29th 2009
So sorry to hear of Mr. Kora's passing. He was such a fun teacher who touched many lives. He will be missed.
Tina (Lloyd) Collins
October 29th 2009
Mr. Kora was a great English teacher. He even made me, the math person, interested in what he was teaching. I will never forget his fun and quirky personality, like the little green friend who would sit on his shoulder for St. Patty's Day. I only hope that I can touch my students lives like he touched mine.
Dana Blank
October 29th 2009
Dick,
I know I just about drove you to the brink of insanity with my over-zealous self when I first started teaching at OEHS with you. Your years of wisdom and experience you've shared with me several times... including just last summer... have been taken to heart. I value your insight and the words of wisdom. When I visit Clyde's, I think of you... and always will. We share the love of the U.P. Peace and serenity to your family. Always, Dana
Tamara (Dickenson) O'Donnell
November 6th 2009
As I sat in the funeral, I wanted to get up and say something on behalf of the many students that Papa Kora has impacted over the years but I didn't think I could make it through. He was a teacher, a friend, a mentor and a father figure to me...thoroughout the years, he has been my beckon that brought me back from distant shores.
When I was getting ready to join the military, I questioned whether I would be strong enough to make it on my own...Papa told me I was a survivor and he knew I'd achieve whatever I set my mind toward completing. It was his believe in me that gave me the strength to challenge myself - he was an amazing man that looked into a person's soul and knew what that person needed. Over the last 17 years, I've always stopped by to visit with the Kora family when I was on leave and in Michigan. We spent many hours at the dining room table talking about philosophy - I'll miss his wisdom. I always left with a full belly and a feeling that I had control of my life again.
Thank you Sally, Julie, Steve, Denise, Mallory, Devon, Koralyn and Conner for sharing your world with me. I will always treasure the moments I had with your family and look forward to building more memories in the future. I love you all!
Courtney (Burgess) Bates
November 5th 2009
Living right down the street we (the Burgess and Ott kids) used to play on your merrie-go-round and I don't think we ever even asked, but you never said anything. I will never forget what you taught in Psychology and English Literature (some of my favorite books are the ones we had to read in your class). I also will never forget learning what a "Curmudgeon" meant. Thanks for the memories and I will never forget what you taught!
Desiree Sleeseman
November 3rd 2009
Mr. Kora,
I loved you so much! I had you my Sophomore and my Junior year for my English classes and you always made me smile. Not only were you very witty in your own ways, but you also had a way of showing each and everyone of us different ways to view life. I always looked forward to your class and was always prepared for what you were going to teach us next. Yes I wont lie, I hated English and dreaded the very first day of your class because you gave off such a vibe that intimidated anyone who walked near your room but as soon as you began to talk, I knew that these classes were going to be so much fun! I remember sitting in class making fun of all of the freshman each year with you as they would walk the halls not knowing we were making fun of them. The way you would show us movies in class not caring what the parents thought was so much fun and if a parent did have a problem, you werent afraid to speak about it the next day and make it one big joke. You always had a way with words and making us feel like we were important and helping us get the material even if it was hard at first.
I graduated in 2004 and was in your very last class in 2003 just before you retired. I will miss you so much and you will forever be in my heart and in my prayers!!
You always reminded me of a wizard (or some would say a warlock) but your teaching ways were no less than magical!
Love Always...
Desiree Sleeseman '04
Faye (Wilson) Ayoubi
November 3rd 2009
I just heard of this today. As I read the life story, I thought of how ironic it is that I now live in Kinross, up in the UP of Michigan. The reason this is ironic to me is that I can not tell you how many times throughout the years, as I lived in so many places, experiencing so many things, that I wanted to contact Mr. Kora and simply say "Thankyou."
I am a 1978 graduate of O-E and was very fortunate to have had him as my teacher for psychology my Junior year of high school. I will never forget how he told the class if he could change the life of one person he had fulfilled his purpose on earth. I was his one person, though I am sure there have been many others throughout the years.
Not only did he teach me psychology, he coached me in an independent study course Senior year, and more importantly he counciled me, and guided me, those last two years of high school. He helped me discover a path I would have never known, and helped me to learn to believe in myself. I have often thought of him throughout the years, as I have experienced life, helped others, and had my own heartbreaks. I have often thanked God for the time he spent with me, and the parts of myself he helped me discover and become aware of. He truly changed my life, by helping me to change myself.
My only regret is that I never did get to tell him Thank you for the lasting impact he made on my life. I lost my own father 4 years ago to cancer at 67, my heart goes out to all of you because I understand your pain and how much you will truly miss this wonderful man.
Ronda (Spaulding) Goodman
November 3rd 2009
I wanted SO badly to get up and speak at the memorial service but I just couldn't do it...Haircut, Sally, Steve, and Julie were such a HUGE part of my childhood. We didn't know him as Dick or Richard. He was Haircut. My mom (Rita) and Sally attended business school together and a life long friendship ensued. It's had it's share of ups and downs but I know after being with them that the connection is still there and always will be!
When I think of Haircut, "free-spirit" comes to mind. He was the closest thing I knew to a hippie. He was his own person. Opinionated, but fair. Loyal and loving. Our families spent a great deal of time together growing up...building the cabin, collecting sauna stones at Lake Superior, spending New Year's Eves and 4th of July's together, hanging out before the annual O-E vs. Portland football games, dancing around the house to Dixie Land Jazz. the list goes on and on.
When I learned of Haircut's passing, some things came immediately to my mind. The smell of fresh pine, football games, egg drop soup, and "the hair of the dog that bit you"...just to name a few.
We had kind of lost touch over the years but I am happy to saw that in June while up North, I found the cabin. I left a note to say we had been there and Haircut called me the next week. Though we hadn't seen each other for quite some time, I thought of him and Sally often, especially when my kids' sporting events took us to O-E or we traveled over the Bridge for a vacation. I loved him dearly and will miss him very much!
Christy (Serviss) Davies
November 1st 2009
I as many students received the Mr. Kora experience in psych class. I am a 1986 graduate of OE, and have many fond memories of him. Although raised as a farm girl as many know, I went onto a career in healthcare and recently achieved a Masters in Healthcare Administration. Even as I was taking some of my classes some 20 years later, there were things I remembered studying in his class in both psych and English. He was an amazing teacher a great man and will be dearly missed. He always asked for the best of his students and gave his best in the classroom back. I remember his clever ways of keeping our attention during class and will never forget his smile. Rest in peace Mr. Kora, job well done. My prayers go to all of you during this time of loss. May God bless you with peace and strength.
Christy (Serviss) Davies
Catherine Batora
November 1st 2009
I graduated from Ovid-Elsie in 1979. I had many wonderful teachers during by high school years who touched my life in many different ways, but Mr. Kora will always be in the #1 spot. Although I believe one of my first memories of him as my teacher is him saying to me, "What the hell are YOU doing in MY class?", I know he was a very positive influence in my life and also touched the lives of so many others. He had a very special gift. My thoughts and prayers are with all the family and friends of Mr. Kora.
Jessie Bedoway (Cole)
November 1st 2009
Mr. Kora will be missed by many. I have many good memories of him primarily outside of school, as I often tended to steer the other way, as Mr. Kora and my dad were very good friends, and I didn't want my trouble getting back to my dad. I also recall going over to his home with my parents, and the aroma as soon as you entered he and Sally's home was fabulous. He was such a great cook and loved to feed others evidenced by him often asking if you wanted more. Another fond memory of Mr. Kora was skiing down several snow slopes and sitting in the lodges getting warmed up. He was a great man, and I send my deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
Don Barlow
October 30th 2009
Oh, what memories:
From Dick running in the dark to lose weight, and no one knew how.
To the foursome working together in E Hall: Cole, Pohl, Kora, and Barlow!
Those were the days!!!!
Thank you so much, Dick, for caring!!!!
Mark Thornton
October 30th 2009
Mr.Dick Kora,
I will never forget when in psycology class we would glue money to the hall way floor to see how many people would try to pick it up. I enjoyed your sense of humor and teaching style. You were truly one of a kind.May God bless you and all of your family at this trying time. I hope they remember that during this time of great pain that GOD blessed them first with the Joy of many years with you - Mr.DIck Kora. Some people will never be so lucky as to experience such great relationships. Thank you for touching my Life.
with admiration,
Mark Thornton
Machelle Albaugh
October 30th 2009
I have been Mr. & Mrs. Kora's neighbor for three years now. I cannot say enough about how they made me feel welcome to the neighborhood, especially after having one of Mr. Kora's apple cranberry pies delivered to my house. My son often plays with his grandchildren when they visit and I will never forget when Hayden came home and said he wanted to know if I could see if Mr. Kora had any leftovers because they looked and smelled so good - it was his famous egg rolls that Hayden had his eyes on! My family will miss you, neighbor.
Peace,
Machelle Albaugh
Susan Viglianco
October 30th 2009
You were by far one of the teachers who inspired me the most. I've always talked about you to my children and told them how well you taught. You really made school fun! You will be sadly missed.
Doug Long
October 30th 2009
Dick,
You were one of my first teachers in high school many years ago. You really had a love for teaching and kids. You spent a lot of extra hours beyond the school day with educating all kids who went through Ovid-Elsie. You were one of a kind and will always have good memories of you and your great sense of humor.
Megan (Palen) Schrauben
October 30th 2009
Mr. Kora,
I guess that it is too late to tell you that I used many of your sayings in my classes as well--no smiling or happiness was allowed and there was definitely a freshmen herding instinct that would happen quite often when dispersing for labs. I know that Mary, Emily, Nick, and I were always appreciative that you and Mrs. Ott stayed on for another year as student council advisors so that we wouldn't have to switch advisors for our senior year. Hopefully you didn't forget about the student council trip we took to Chicago where we ended up in a lawsuit, when we spelled words wrong on signs like "pluder" instead of "plunder", or when we went to my family's cottage and you bought enough orange juice to last us until the end of the year. It was nice having someone around that made sure we never went hungry--especially on cold football nights, or during pie nights with the football team. I am sure that you helped influence the voting of me as a "hoover" candidate. I used much of my athletic training instruction from you while coaching and would use my artificial insemination speech for your class as an example for my students when I would encourage them to engage me as their grader. I suppose I have been influenced quite a bit by you and hope that you know you live on in quite a few people.
Megan
Mike Cole
October 29th 2009
Well my long-time friend, I will miss you greatly. I know you are up in heaven having a good time though. So many memories of 30 years of teaching together in East Hall. We sure had our fun together. I remember yelling across the hall at each other (just for fun). I would say you were being too loud and call you fat boy. You would tell me to shut up and call me styrofoam head. (I liked rice cakes) The kids got a kick out of it. I remember when you would have a new freshman class. I would come into your room and we would get in a fake argument and talk about meeting down on Upton Road after school. All that just to see the freshmen's eyes get big as saucers. HA You were a great teacher. You had that great combination of being serious about the task at hand and being humorous also. The kids respected you and knew you were a very approachable person. I gave you a "hard time" (all in fun) about being teacher of the year, but you certainly deserved it. You would probably say I'm rambling, but just a couple more personal notes. I'm glad you were the trainer for the football team for a few years when I was coaching. You shared the highs of winning and the lows of losing with us. I have to talk about our running. Back in the late '70s, you started jogging with me. We worked out way up to 6-8 miles a day. You always said, "If this is so good for me, then why am I not having fun." Then in the early '80s, we decided to run 10k (6.2 mi.) races. We did that for 3-4 years. To this day, I don't know why I could never beat you. You always ran about 30-40 seconds faster than me. I thought I was a pretty good athlete, but when we 10kd, I got humbled every time. Lastly, I respect you for your philosophies and your ability to stauchly stand up for what you believe in. You were never wishy-washy. I remember Susie and I would come over, sit around the table with you and Sally drinking wine and beer discussing everything from raising kids, abortion, or whatever subject came up. Great discussions--Great times.. OK Dick old buddy, I'm done rambling. Goodbye my friend.
Mike
Randy Lyon
October 29th 2009
Mr. Kora taught two of my classes in high school, and through his "curmudgeonry" I became a better student and a better person. He was one of the people that drew me to the teaching profession, and I bring his life lessons with me to my classroom everyday.
My deepest sympathies.
Ginger (Payne) DeLong
October 29th 2009
To Steve and Denise,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Your dad was a very good teacher. I remembered him very well. He was a wonderful person.
God bless you and your family during this sad time.
Rick Rexin
October 29th 2009
I am saddened to hear of Mr. Kora's passing. He was truly an incredible teacher and person. He always made learning fun and treated us with respect. A wonderful teacher and a great person. You will be missed
Ray Drouin
October 29th 2009
Of all the dedicated teachers I had the good fortune to work with during my career at O-E, Dick was by far one of the best. Serious, fair, a sence of humor, and hard working, he brought these traits into his classroom and into the lives of his students everyday.
Shelly Hunt
October 29th 2009
I was completely caught in shock when I found out this sad news. I'm so sorry for your loss Sally, Steve, Denise, Julie and families. Mr. Kora was such a great person and such an interesting person to talk too. I enjoyed his stories, cooking tips and love of the UP. I really enjoyed him as a teacher and friend. Although it has been years since we've spoke, he still will be greatly missed. You all have my prayers for God's comfort.
Shelly (Brooks) Hunt
Leanne Arnst
October 29th 2009
Dear Sally,
Wow, complete shock when I opened the paper this afternoon. I had no idea and I am so sorry. I know that Dick was a fabulous teacher, but what sticks in my mind is the love and mutual respect the two of you showed for each other in your marriage. It is so rare to see a couple with such passion for each other that endured for so many years. You truly are an inspiration to us all. Hold on to those memories forever! Miss you.
Kirsten Cole
October 29th 2009
I really enjoyed the classes that Mr. Kora taught. He had a great rugged appeal to life. I always loved to Trick or Treat at his house and he never said a word to us neighborhood kids when we would play in his backyard! He was a great guy and will be missed deeply!
Lee Helmer
October 29th 2009
What fun High School was with Mr. Kora. I was lucky enough to have him for two classes that were back to back. One day he let myself and a few others go out for breakfast and skip class. His only comment was "just be back before the bell rings or I'll be in trouble". Mr. Kora was a great teacher who motivated students and kept humor flowing in the school. I too will always remember him at his podium with a little green friend on his shoulder.
You are greatly missed Mr. Kora.
Jodie (Easlick) Gillespie
October 29th 2009
So sorry to hear of Mr. Kora's passing. He was such a fun teacher who touched many lives. He will be missed.
Tina (Lloyd) Collins
October 29th 2009
Mr. Kora was a great English teacher. He even made me, the math person, interested in what he was teaching. I will never forget his fun and quirky personality, like the little green friend who would sit on his shoulder for St. Patty's Day. I only hope that I can touch my students lives like he touched mine.
Dana Blank
October 29th 2009
Dick,
I know I just about drove you to the brink of insanity with my over-zealous self when I first started teaching at OEHS with you. Your years of wisdom and experience you've shared with me several times... including just last summer... have been taken to heart. I value your insight and the words of wisdom. When I visit Clyde's, I think of you... and always will. We share the love of the U.P. Peace and serenity to your family. Always, Dana
