In Memoriam: Cory Benjamin Shepherd

The following is a dedication to our dear friend, Cory Benjamin Shepherd (1993-2024), who overcame so much in his life but succumbed to his battle with opiates on thanksgiving weekend. Those who contributed to this memoriam only knew him for the last month of his life, yet it remains clear that Cory left an indelible impression marked by kindness, service and love.

For those who wish to spend some time with Cory, here is a playlist featuring a dedication video from our time together followed by raw extended video clips and some promotional videos where he appeared.

From Matthew A. Leddy:

Cory, I only knew you for a month but I feel like I’ve known you for lifetimes. I met you on Day of the Dead and you left us on Thanksgiving. We played music together and your bittersweet melodies made their way into our hearts. Your presence was filled with poetry and your absence leaves us with the soulful echo of a life cut too short. You reflected the best qualities of any man: kindness, curiosity, passion, creativity, artistry, enthusiasm, compassion, altruism, and a true spiritual yearning to improve oneself. Despite your burdens, your heart was open and you were always of service to others. You showed up and shared your beautiful soul which I know is now in the heavenly realm. I got to hang out with your sweet dog Loretta while you were at work and, when you returned home to the farm, we shared philosophical exchanges and hopeful plans for the future. You volunteered to help at every party and function that we hosted and you were the life of the party around the campfire, playing soulful old country tunes and fearlessly expressing your tuneful talents. You sat with me as I edited videos, soaking it all in, always a diligent student. You told me about the vision for your music: how you nurtured your songs and sought perfection while always embracing collaboration with the right people. You shined around the campfire and were an essential part of our hit band The Franimals. At least we thought we were a hit! And everyone around the campfire agreed. I could tell you embraced being part of a loving community and I enjoyed those little things like helping you align your trailer, just as Krisstal aligned your body through massage and her nourishing home cooking. Despite your vulnerability, you showed up, stepped up, sought wisdom, embraced healing and you always nurtured your friendships.

I cherish those moments. I’m grateful to have captured some of our memories together so others may see the joy we shared in this small slice of heaven on earth — where people gather, play, sing and dance around campfires and paint murals on walls just to brighten the day. You certainly brightened every day we shared with you. The pain of losing you is only eclipsed by the joy of having known you.

The night of your passing, a small black stray cat showed up to adopt my family. I like to think of that cat as your soul coming to say hello and offer us comfort. We named that cat Knight and I like to think of you as a knight in shining armor, protecting sacred virtues like truth, wisdom, and kindness. I also noticed the actor in the new Gladiator movie looks just like you, a surprising realization since I was watching it during the time of your passing. I know our hearts will heal as you would wish–so I only want to comfort your soul and let you know you did your very best. Your kindness will ripple through our community and in the memories of those who knew you and loved you. I love you, man. Enjoy your angel wings and your jam sessions with Jesus.

I read a quote today that reminded me of you:

“The finest souls are those who gulped pain and avoided making others taste it.” -Nizar Qabbani

from Kathryn Binks:

To Our Beloved Cory

Those who knew Cory would say he had a heart that resonated like the strings of his beloved guitar—gentle, vibrant, and endlessly kind.

Cory lived his life as a mysterious melody, and his guitar was its voice. His music—songs for his past struggles, his passion for rebirthing a new life, and for the quiet dreams that lived in his heart.

Cory was not just a musician. He was a man of motion, a strong masculine, as committed to strengthening his body as he was to nurturing his soul. Fitness was his sanctuary, where he pushed his limits, sculpting himself with the same care and precision he gave his music. Each lift, each run, was a testament to his belief in progress—physical, mental, and spiritual.

Cory was a seeker. Recently, he’d embarked on a new journey, one that wasn’t mapped out by muscle memory or musical scales. It was a spiritual path, still uncharted and mysterious. He approached it with the same openness he brought to everything in life.

His kindness was the thread that bound all these facets of his life together. Whether sharing his latest guitar song, encouraging us to jog around the farm, or wondering about the mysteries of the universe, Cory’s presence was like a warm embrace and hug.

To those around him, Cory was a reminder of the beauty in balance—of strength and softness, passion and peace. His music plays on, not just in the notes he struck but in the hearts he touched. Though his spiritual journey had only just begun, his life was already a testament to a soul deeply in tune with the harmony of the universe.

Cory’s legacy is simple but profound: a melody of kindness, composed in love and lived with grace. We will miss him dearly. Rest in peace, my dear friend.

Love, Kathryn

from Katie Yates:

The first time I ever heard Cory sing and play guitar, he played one of my favorite songs; it’s a sad song but a heartfelt one, Follow you to Virgie by Tyler Childers. My heart opened to Cory from that moment on. I became so curious about him and wanted to encourage him; he had this sweet kindness about him that I found so endearing. Every time we would get to talking we’d have to be careful not to talk each other’s ear off. Most of our conversations we had to cut short because one of us was starting to run late to something else. I wish we had more time together to pick up those threads we were weaving, but I still feel his presence with me and I look forward to meeting him again one day when it’s my time. I love him so much and he’s made a forever impression on me.

from Arturo Mora:

Cory Benjamin was one of the most mindful and respectful individuals I ever met. He stood strong for his values and beliefs, and witnessing his ability to shift his destiny after everything he endured was truly inspiring. I, along with many others, will remember him as a remarkable musician, a loyal friend, and a free-spirited soul. The circumstances surrounding his passing are mysterious, yet it brings me hope to envision him thriving in the life he embraced during his final weeks. We honor his passion for music, deep spiritual connection, and unwavering willingness to serve others. You will always live in our hearts as that magnificent human who was ever ready to help and share a smile.

We wish all who read this God’s comfort and deep healing as we remember our brother Cory.