Kenneth Cordova’s obituary — my grandpa

 

Kenneth Thomas Cordova

December 3rd 1951—December 14th 2023

On Thursday, December 14, 2023, Kenneth “Ken” Thomas Cordova, a loving father and grandfather, passed away at 72 years old. He is survived by his three younger sisters and their families, his four sons (Victor, Anthony, Daniel, and Joseph), two daughters-in-law (Abigail and Erin), and eleven grandchildren (Moriyah, Scarlett, Ulysses, Judah, Maximus, Blake, Aria, Eden, Christian, Lion, and Oceana).

Ken was preceded in death by his mother, Thelma Baca, and his father, Floyd Cordova. Floyd died two weeks before his son’s passing. They had a strong relationship that lasted till the end.

Ken was a quiet man, but his presence was larger than life. He was always generous with his time, his money, his prayers, and his love. He found joy in helping others and never made you feel bad for needing help. His profound love for people carried over into his work at Inalliance, a program devoted to helping people with special needs. There, he was able to walk in his faith and be a light for Jesus Christ by the way he loved people. Ken, my Grandpa, had the gift of healing those around him with a steadfast love that touched the hearts of his sons, his daughters-in-law (which truly were daughters to him), his grandchildren (myself included), those at his work, as well as his friends. His attributes and character will live on in those who love him. What he deposited in each of us, his legacy, was the greatest gift imaginable—more valuable, by far, than great riches.

My grandpa had an amazing work ethic that challenged him to face and surmount many challenges. He approached his many successes with humility and grace—never one to be in the spotlight. He was quick to forgive any wrong. He was selfless to the end. He always put others above himself. He gave his love freely, requiring nothing in return. He sacrificed for those he loved, even for strangers. He was patient, thoughtful, and caring. He would sit with you, wanting to hear your thoughts and cheering you on in whatever you set your heart to do. He was steady, a safe place, and a rock to his family all his life. Through all of this, he demonstrated the patient love of God. He was a true example of what it means to be a follower of Christ. 

He loved to go to the library and read books on health and nature or watch the latest wrestling matches. Fiddler on the Roof was one of his favorite movies—he loved the way the characters talked to God throughout the whole film. He journaled and prayed for his family—miracles were seen in his faithfulness to pray in every season of life. He wrote letters to his grandchildren and kept all of the ones they sent to him. He loved spending dinners with his family (he always brought strawberries and grapes for his grandkids) and being around those he loved and who loved him.

A great hole tore through the universe when he passed, and he will be missed forever. Those who know him take great comfort in knowing that he is with the Father now.

 “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” —Psalm 116:15