Cory Stephen Poole

Cory Stephen Poole November 16, 1971 – March 16, 2025

Cory Stephen Poole was born on Tuesday, November 16, 1971, in Denver, Colorado. A proud Scorpio, he lived his life with intensity, loyalty, and passion. He passed away surrounded by love and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Cory is survived by his wife of 18 years, Lisa Hillmer-Poole; his former wife, Dawn Shirk; and their beloved children, Talon Poole and Blake Poole. He is also survived by his parents, Robert and Karen Poole; his parents-in-law, Robert and Martha Hillmer; and his sister, Delana Poole Henry, her husband, Paul Henry, their three children and one grandchild. Cory leaves behind a vast network of friends and extended family across the globe, including in Hungary, Poland, Egypt, Italy, Mexico, and Vietnam.

Cory grew up in Bailey, Colorado, and lived in nearly every Denver metro neighborhood, calling the Baker neighborhood his favorite during his years there from 2008 to 2017. He attended Green Mountain High School and Red Rocks Community College. As a young man, he worked tirelessly, holding jobs at Taco House, FunPlex, Target, and Checker Auto Parts. He later owned an upholstery business and worked as a freelance graphic designer before joining the architectural firm of Curt Fentress. His contributions to that team included work on the Broncos stadium, where his name is proudly etched into a commemorative brick.

In 2008, Cory joined Arrow, where he began in finance and eventually transitioned to IT in 2020. He brought his trademark dedication, process-mindedness, and love for collaboration to every role. He was especially proud of his work with international teams, including colleagues in Guadalajara, Europe, and Africa. For Cory, work was never just about the tasks—it was about the people and the culture.

A lifelong Raiders fan, Cory admired the team not just for their grit, but for what they stood for—diversity, defiance, and heart. His passion extended to music, travel, fashion, and family. He adored Mexico—the ocean, the food, and the spirit of the people—and found joy and inspiration during his travels to Vietnam and Puerto Rico.

Cory was a stylish soul. He loved tailored suits, flat-brimmed hats, Nike Air Force Ones, and colorful socks. He began collecting tattoos at 18, and over time, his body became a canvas of tribute and identity—with ink honoring his children, wife, pets, passions, and beliefs.

In 2009, Cory picked up a guitar and never put it down. He built a home recording studio and became an avid musician and producer, collaborating with Lisa on over 50 original and cover songs. His musical tastes were wide-ranging, from metal to jazz to funk, always seeking new sounds.

Cory was also a fierce advocate—for women’s rights, for the environment, for animals. He donated often to causes he believed in and was a true cat dad to Sophy, Syberia, and Lolo—who survives him and still receives insulin twice daily, a testament to Cory’s unwavering care.

Athletic and adventurous, Cory played football and baseball in high school, flag football as an adult, and dreamed of attending an F1 race in Milan. He loved cars, especially his cherished Alfa Romeo.

Above all, Cory was the most interesting man in the world to those who knew him. A brilliant conversationalist, a calm presence for babies, a champion of kids, and a servant leader who always stepped forward to help. He had the rare ability to make people feel seen, heard, and valued. His presence lit up every room—and his absence is deeply felt.

Cory Stephen Poole was unforgettable. His story lives on in every person he inspired, every song he played, every laugh he sparked, and every life he touched.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

TheBlueBench.org/Take-Action