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BROCK VALENTINE CORDES
Born: Sep 01, 1942
Date of Passing: Aug 14, 2022
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BROCK VALENTINE CORDES
On August 14, 2022, Brock Valentine Cordes passed away peacefully at the end of a courageous battle with cancer.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, September 7, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue.
For those who wish to sign the
online Guest Book please visit www.chapellawn.ca
Chapel Lawn Funeral Home
204-885-9715
Publish Date: Sep 3, 2022
BROCK VALENTINE CORDES
On August 14, 2022, Brock Valentine Cordes passed away peacefully at the end of a courageous battle with cancer. He was 79, just weeks shy of his 80th birthday on September 1.
He was predeceased by his parents, Mary (nee Munk) and Henry Cordes.
Brock was a devoted husband to his wife of 56 years, Georgia, and loving and proud father of his daughter Erika and son Trevor (Carrie). His grandchildren, April, Gabriela, Merlin, and Verity were treasured by their Grandpa and brought him so much delight and love. Brock is also survived by his sister Wendlyn, brother Kurt, aunt Katherine, and many cousins. He also leaves behind a wealth of friendships that sustained him throughout his life. He will be deeply missed by all.
Brock was born in 1942 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. As a child, he grew up with the love and support of his family, relatives, and friends. His family moved many times, seeking new opportunities and experiencing new adventures. Brock often reflected on helping and working on the small lakeside resort his parents built and owned near St. Germain in northern Wisconsin. It presented constant responsibilities and challenges, but also the joys of fishing and boating, learning how to bake bread daily, and of fun with friends that formed many happy memories.
Brock was 16 when his family decided to move to Alaska in 1959 to homestead. He helped drive to Fairbanks, where he and his family found jobs to enable the purchase and clearing of land and to establish their future in the newest state. Brock graduated from Fairbanks High School in 1960. He then attended the U.S. Naval Academy in Maryland for one year, followed by service in the U.S. Marine Corps. He returned to Alaska to complete his undergraduate studies and went on to receive a BA degree from the University of Alaska (Fairbanks) in 1965. During these years he would also launch his first business - a small motorcycle sales venture.
It was at the university that Brock met and began dating Georgia, whom he always called the love of his life. They were married in a small log church just down the hill off of campus on the evening of February 19, 1966, when the temperature dipped to -42F.
They began their married life in Anchorage before moving to Eugene, Oregon to further their studies at the University of Oregon, with Brock later receiving his Master of Business Administration in 1969. In 1968 on campus Brock happened to meet by chance Dr. John Mundie, then Director of the University of Manitoba School of Commerce (now Asper School of Business). He was invited to fly up to Winnipeg to interview for a teaching position, and as they say...the rest is history.
Thus, Brock began over 30 years as a university sessional lecturer. Teaching and being part of the University of Manitoba community were his greatest passion. Brock found endless enjoyment in his conversations with the students, and he valued his friendships with his colleagues. So much so, in fact, that he had no real interest in retiring, and instead he continued teaching right up until the very last moment when his illness would no longer allow it.
In addition to teaching, Brock was also an avid entrepreneur, business owner and manager in a wide variety of companies and organizations over the years. He contributed to our community and city in volunteer service roles on the boards of organizations such as the Winnipeg Flying Club and the Manitoba Conservatory of Music and Arts, and at First Presbyterian Church where he was an active member for decades.
Drawing on all these experiences, Brock took great pleasure in coaching, mentoring and inspiring others to start their own businesses or follow their dreams, and he left a lasting impact on many people of all ages and from all walks of life.
Brock loved travel and adventure, experiencing new places and especially meeting new people. Family trips were the highlights of every year when the children were growing up, and in later years his trips "home" to Alaska and Wisconsin, or to Germany for treatment, brought him much joy. One of Brock's fondest dreams was to fly a plane, which he achieved when he became a pilot in the 1980s. Sailing on Lake of the Woods, motorcycling and snowmobiling with friends were among his other favourite activities, and in his last months he often reflected on how grateful he was to feel he had lived his life to the fullest.
This past year, Brock's illness forced him to slow down. He received excellent care, first at Riverview Health Centre for a short time and then at the Grace Hospice. During this time, he was greatly uplifted by his many friends, colleagues, and relatives - with their countless and continuous visits, phone calls, meals, cards, love, prayers, and support - for which Brock and his family were and are truly grateful.
The family also extends heartfelt appreciation to everyone who provided treatment, palliative care and support for Brock. In particular to Dr. Hartley and the wonderfully caring nursing team at Grace Hospice, along with all of its staff and volunteers; to Rev. Brenda Fraser; to CancerCare Manitoba and its counsellor team; to Dr. Gingerich; and to Dr. Bauer and her team in Munich, Germany.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, September 7, 2022 at 2:00 p.m., at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Brock's memory may be made to either the Grace Hospice (204-837-0375) or to the University of Manitoba Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship (204-474-8443), where funds will directly benefit the students.
For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit www.chapellawn.ca
Chapel Lawn Funeral Home
204-885-9715
Publish Date: Aug 27, 2022
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 27, 2022, Sep 03, 2022
Condolences & Memories (18 entries)
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Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family Georgia. To have known Brock and to have been included in some of his adventures was a great privilege. He will be fondly remembered. - Posted by: Jim and Kula Fosh (Friends) on: Nov 27, 2022
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Deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Mr. Cordes. My favourite professor by a landslide, always took the time to share real world experience and offer advice, rather than just read out of a textbook. I was fortunate enough to keep in touch with him and run into him from time to time at the Winnipeg Squash Racquet Club. Will always consider him a friend and not just a professor. My condolences - Posted by: Andrew Dunsmore (Student at University of Manitoba) on: Oct 26, 2022
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It was with great sadness to hear of Brock’s passing. I will always remember Brock when he gave our class its final lecture in 4th year Commerce (1972) at the U of Mb, saying that, with hard work and ambition, we were all capable of becoming millionaires! In addition to seeing Brock at our offices over the years, I also enjoyed many motorcycle rides with Brock in and around Winnipeg. Our deepest condolences go to Georgia and family. We will all miss this wonderful man. - Posted by: Jack and Maria Reid (Friends ) on: Sep 23, 2022
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I was in the commerce program 1968-1972. However it was after graduation that Brock had me running around buying houses to rent or selling one write accounting systems to garage stations or other small businesses. What a motivating character. Brock always talked with such confidence. His smile reinforced his "it's so simply obvious!" attitude. This man was born to coach....born to motivate....born to inspire. He did all of that and more for me, personally. I loved his stories. He beamed when he relayed how it was the cigarette machine that made the money at an otherwise break even Country Kitchen. So much more.... Go rest in peace Brock. My life was enriched because of our sharing time. sincerely, Ian Mac Iver - Posted by: ian mac iver (student/friend) on: Sep 11, 2022
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I was taught Consumer Behavior by Brock during my second year of Commerce. Although he had excellent insight into the topic it was his lessons many years later that gave me valuable insight into what life was about, during my infrequent visits to his campus office in the dead of summer on my visits to Winnipeg. I was touched and surprised when he attended my mother’s funeral and tried to get my brother a job. Sincere condolences to the Cordes family. RIP Brock, one of the good guys. - Posted by: Eugene Hretzay (One of Brock’s Commerce students ) on: Sep 07, 2022
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Our sincere condolences to Georgia and family. Praying that God's love enfolds you and comforts you through the pain. I admired Brock for his strength of character and his faith. I will continue to be inspired by the actions he took and the things he said while he was alive. He will live in my memories. Liz Lalman - Posted by: Liz Lalman (Friend) on: Sep 03, 2022
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I was saddened to learn of Brock's passing. He and I had many good conversations while we were colleagues at the Asper School of Business. My condolences to the family. Brock was a fine man. - Posted by: Christopher Adams (Past colleague at the I.H. Asper School of Business) on: Sep 01, 2022
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Brock was interested in everyone doing well. He was passionate, engaging and helpful. Peace to his family and his countless friends. - Posted by: Tom Dojack (Friend) on: Sep 01, 2022
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Georgia: my condolences, my Dear. I do not have your current addresses, residential or email. I am living at Fred Douglas Place, 301-333 Vaughan St., near the old YWCA where we first met. I would love to have you visit here. I can be reached at 2047995789. You must have many happy memories with your years together with Brock. I only met him a few times but always thought of him with lots of “get up and go”. I will be thinking of you on the day of the Memoriam. Love, Muriel - Posted by: Muriel Smith (Friend) on: Aug 30, 2022
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I will miss you terribly. I always looked up to you. I remember playing war with cans & clothes pins. Also our grocery store we made together. we worked hard as children. Cleaning cottages, boats. laundry & so on. Love you brother. But you are now with Mom, Dad, all our grandparents aunts & uncles. My love to all Wendy - Posted by: Wendlyn M. Carrington (Sister) on: Aug 29, 2022
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My sincere condolences to Georgia and family. Brock and I shared many of the adventures mentioned. He will be missed. - Posted by: Allan Grant (Friend) on: Aug 29, 2022
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My sincere condolences to the family. - Posted by: Kate Davis (Friend) on: Aug 28, 2022
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Sincerest condolences to the family on the passing of Brock. Wishing for comfort and peace. We lost one great and kind person on earth, who will be always remembered. Saleem’s Family - Posted by: Shahid Saleem (A former employee and friend.) on: Aug 28, 2022
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I worked at the ASB since March of 1998 and went on to Long-term Disability in 2021. Brock was one of the favorite instructors for generations of business students. He will certainly be greatly missed by a great number of students and staff! Rest in Peace Brock! - Posted by: Ian Lansdown (Colleague in Asper School of Business) on: Aug 27, 2022
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We feel privileged to have known and worked with Brock for several years. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Cordes family. - Posted by: Roy and Val Peterson (Business Associate) on: Aug 27, 2022
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Thanks for being such a great friend and colleague of Jerry, Lynda and Nancy over the years. As related by Jerry, Brock’s outlook through out his treatment was truly inspirational. - Posted by: Robert D Gray (Brother of friend ) on: Aug 27, 2022
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Professor Cordes was always just outside the periphery of my academic studies. I heard positive things about his class, but his area of expertise did not quite align with my path and back in the mid-1980s, it was very difficult to take "Commerce" classes if you were not registered in the Faculty. I am sorry I'm too late to study with him. I send my deepest sympathies to Trevor, family, and other loved ones. I hope that joyful memories soon eclipse the pain of grief. Wishing for comfort and consolation, strength and peace. - Posted by: Laurel Martin (Acquaintance of Trevor) on: Aug 27, 2022
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Dear Georgia, Sincerest condolences from Robin and I in Queensland, Australia on the passing of Brock. Peace be with you. - Posted by: John Weltevreden (friend at First church many years ago) on: Aug 27, 2022
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