A crowd had gathered by the time the clock at Victoria Hall sounded 7 o’clock across from the bank at King and George. A display of flowers and other tokens were arranged carefully and spilled onto the sidewalk.
Missy McLean, of Moms Stop the Harm, started the vigil lighting a candle for Kory, who died of a lethal drug injection last Thursday morning in the bank’s vestibule. Missy then lit a second candle for everyone there and opened the space for friends, and family to address the growing crowd.
Friends lit candles and shared stories of the boy, the teen, and the man who many described as “a gentle giant” and the “kindest guy you’d ever want to meet”.
One high school friend spoke of parties he hosted and how Kory was always looking out to be sure everyone was taken care of.
His aunt spoke about him being a loving and caring boy and how that never changed over the years. He loved his family and they loved and tried to support him.
He’d give you the shirt off his back, said a shelter worker, sometimes only hours after getting it, as in the case of a coat he’d received from her and gave away because someone else needed it more.
And jokes said another friend. They were the kind you wanted to remember to tell your friends.
His brother thanked the crowd, overcome with emotion at the number of lives his brother’s had touched.
The coroner has yet to report, but many are suspecting that it was a poisoned drug supply that caused the death.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
