Donald Jene Kordyak's Obituary
Donald Jene Kordyak
1934 - 2012
Dad --
Our buffalo now roams free. DJ -- you lived one hell of a life.
You've given us stories that will only get better in the generations to come. You didn't spend your time creating the "I once caught a fish this big" stories -- you actually did catch fish that big. Everything you did in life was "that big."
Growing up, everyone knew the Kordyak brothers in San Bernardino – and your reputation still carries over today. And yes, I hint to say that I do smirk whenever I hear that you and Dennis were one “bad ass” duo. Hey – a little respect and intimidation never hurt anyone.
You were an extreme athlete before the term extreme athlete ever existed. Your football and track days at San Bernardino High School and San Bernardino Valley College were epic. Dashing Legs Kordyak drew the attention of Division One and even pro football scouts and your running the quarter mile in 47 seconds flat leaves even today’s high school coaches envious.
You didn’t just work hard and play hard. You worked the hardest and played the hardest-est. Fifty-plus years you made cars red carpet ready, and you and Dennis did it with your own hands. You were the master of your craft – and you never passed down the steam cleaning or buffing. You balanced that with nights and weekends filled with jet boat racing, skiing, hunting, fishing, golfing, and even for me, roller skating. Maybe that’s why my friends were always in awe at the size of your calves.
And then there was Mom. How this “life is a party” jock landed the choir girl for what would have been 50 years this November showed there was a huge heart under that big exterior of yours. You lived a life of laughter, love and yes, even feistiness. And that’s what made you great. Still cracks me up that you pulled her and Tricia over on the freeway just to get their phone numbers. I’m sure you’d give Alex the advice to pull over for any random guy. Yeah…
You celebrated your “over the hill” birthday with the arrival of – me! You paved your own path for defining fatherhood and boy did it work. From unlimited cherries in our Shirley Temples to fancy dinners to Western US road trips in five days or less (I have become a master at taking photos out of windows), you made me, Heather, Kerry, Heidi and all my friends feel like there were no girls more special in this world. And you also made sure our boyfriends knew that as well. We still thank you for that.
And then – after years with us girls, you finally found your son in Kevin. Thank God I picked well! Not sure how it would have worked if I married a violin playing physicist, and glad I never needed to find out. You were Kevin’s second-father, best friend, and yes, even a co-conspirator (yes, I will eventually find out if he buys a $1,700 shot gun) and for the last 18 years, you’ve been the biggest influence in his life. Hunting, fishing, golfing, laughing arguing – it didn’t matter. You two were frick and frack. Now it’s up to him to carry on Buff’s traditions of Goffs, Crowley and more. And there’s no one better.
Our family’s biggest life changer in 2001: Cameron was born and you were the first to hold him. That started an incredible bond that led to Cam sharing that he’s lost his “bestest friend.” And how you two were. Watching Westerns, fishing, hunting, football, golfing, swimming – it didn’t matter. You two were – and will always be – inseparable. Your legacy is now him and he will do you proud, Dad.
And lastly Alex. Our firecracker and the one who kept you on your toes constantly – and how you knew 31 Flavors and Chuck E Cheese solved all. She’s got your spunk. God help us all.
Dad, You didn’t know it, but you were every bit the teacher Mom was. You taught us – and I say us because you were Dad and Grandpa to so many of us – to be proud of where we come from, stay true to who we are, experience life to the fullest, take risks, take care of your family, and never be afraid to talk to anyone (how many times I remember being on vacation and Dad saying to random folks, “Hi, I’m Don Kordyak from San Bernardino” – embarrassing then, impressive now).
Well Don Kordyak, your mark on this earth was huge and it’s time for us to raise our glasses (or Coors Light) and give you one big toast. On Sunday at 3 pm at Arrowhead Country Club, all your friends and family will join together to give you a big send-off your way. Words from friends by the pool followed by an exhibition of our Alligators best swimmers and divers as a tribute to you, Buff. And after, Mitla’s will be waiting inside. Perfect.
You were one-in-a-million, Dad – and you will live on in all of us. Cam came up with the best idea to remember his bestest friend: setting up a fund at Kordyak School to "take me fishing." Dad always complained that kids don't get to be kids today – and he is so right. Well, back to the basics they'll go -- and the fun they -- and we -- will all have in the process. Any donations can be sent to Kordyak Elementary School c/o “Take Me Fishing”, 4580 Mango Avenue, Fontana, CA 92336.
Dad, thank you for creating a friendship circle that has been nothing short of incredible. Missing you is made up for with the amazing love and support we’ve received from your friends. You may now be gone, but you will live on in all of us.
Love you, Daddy
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