Neil 'Cork' Corcoran

IRONWOOD, Mich. -- Neil David "Cork" Corcoran, 58, of Ironwood, experienced a life-altering aneurysm on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, while at deer camp. On Monday, Nov. 18, at St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth, Minnesota, with his family and many friends at his side, he was taken away from us. He left holding hands with his wife, Kim, and his brother, Will, while he was listening to his favorite artist, Lainey Wilson. His journey with us has ended, but he was an organ donor, and his gift of life has allowed two other people to receive his organs to extend their time with their loved ones.

Neil was born on July 2, 1966, in Ironwood, to Robert and Lorraine Corcoran. He later graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1984. He worked from a young age at various jobs that usually involved vehicles and heavy equipment. His main jobs ranged from a body man at Hagelin's Auto to a manager at Conoco. He eventually ended up at the city of Ironwood in the Department of Public Works, where he ran multiple types of equipment. In particular, he loved plowing snow, unless it was in May. He also maintained the parks and enjoyed talking with people.

One of his specialties was cooking. He loved cooking on his Treager grill and probably made some of the best brisket in the area. He also loved to experiment with cooking techniques and different recipes, though he never followed a true recipe but rather shot from the hip as he would say. Neil also did his share of deep-frying turkeys and over the years has cooked well over 200. When not spoiling his wife with great cooking or serving as the camp cook, he took pride in helping local fundraisers, such as grilling steaks for local school events or flip-flop chicken at Festival Ironwood.

It started with a dance, which led to a kiss, which led to his marriage to Kim Olson on Oct. 11, 1997. The two were each other's best friends. He often noted his wedding was the best day of his life and would have no problem rattling off 10/11/97 as the date. They were blessed with a strong love and countless adventures that were accompanied by many good dogs along the way.

Neil is survived by his wife, Kim, whom he affectionately referred to as "Buckwheat" or "Buck." His dogs, Clifford and Tanzy, were a special part of his life. He is also survived by his siblings, Will (Barb), Trish (Don), Mike (Mary), Greg (Rosie) and Steve (Tara); his brother-in-law, Jim (Leslie) Olson; his sister-in-law, Terry (Rob) Jacobs; his mother-in-law, Phyllis Smith-Olson; and numerous nieces and nephews. During this difficult time, it also has become so very apparent that he is leaving behind a large group of friends that cared deeply for Neil over the years.

Neil was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Christopher; and Kim's parents, James "Eagle" and Patricia Olson.

Things you may or may not know about Cork:

He loved to dance and often experienced what he would call "Happy Feet." He was a John Deere guy and valued his tractor and side-by-side. He also took pride in Fast Orange, his 69 Chevy Camaro.

He believed in true love and loved his wife, Kim, and dogs unconditionally. He was compassionate as he was a guy that would cry when others felt pain in their lives and during sad movies, especially if something happened to the dog.

Cork had a kind heart and loved people. He made a point of visiting people where they were at, and he ran his trap line from JJ's to Iron Horse to Chub's to engage in local conversation. He especially loved the Norrie Club, where he was a board member and organized and ignited the fireworks show for the "Light Up the Night" event. It meant a lot to him to meet with the guys for a beer or two or three. His response to the first beer were always "Aaaahh!"

There will be a celebration of life for Cork on Friday, Dec. 6, from 2 to 7 p.m., at the Aurora Club, 101 Penokee Road, in Ironwood, where we would like you to join us in meeting the family and having a picnic-style lunch. There is no service, but there will be a special toast beginning at 5:30 p.m., wherein telling "Cork" stories and wearing your flannel will be encouraged. Laughing or crying along with the memories will be embraced.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Cork's name can be made to the HOPE Animal Shelter, Box 261, Ironwood, MI 49938, or Regional Hospice, 204 Harrison St., Suite 5, Ironwood, MI 49938.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.