Cory Clarke Pulsipher, 56, returned to the loving arms of his Father in Heaven on Thursday, May 5th, 2022 while surrounded by his wife, Cathy, and their children after a hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer.
Cory was born June 10th, 1965, to Linda Pack and Arlon Anderson, in Murray Utah. When Cory was 5, his mother married Jack Pulsipher, who adopted Cory and his brothers as his own. Soon after the Pulsipher family moved to Washington, Utah, where Cory enjoyed a childhood of fun and friends in the little town. Cory was a rambunctious little boy and an adventurous teenager who loved the outdoors, riding bikes, and causing mischief for those around him. As a teenager, Cory developed a love for music, particularly when played at a loud volume while driving around, or to the annoyance of his family. Cory had an uncanny knack for all things mechanical and he spent his early adult years using those skills by working at Baileys’ Auto repairing and servicing vehicles. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Pennsylvania Philadelphia Mission from 1984 to 1986.
Cory met the love of his life, Cathy Collins, in 1982 while they were both in high school. He was a Junior and she was a Senior. Despite the challenges of dating an “Older Woman”, Cory persevered and the two were married on April 18th, 1987 in the St. George Utah Temple. The couple was later blessed with three children, Scott Clarke Pulsipher, Dacy Dwan (Pulsipher) Leany, and Amy Beverly Pulsipher (soon-to-be Dursteler).
Cory loved cooking for crowds and was always eager to apply his skills, whether at family gatherings or at the many events held by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. As he aged he learned to love the finer things in life, particularly fishing and hunting. Cory was a busybody, and could never sit still. As a child, his parents even resorted to bribery in an attempt to get him to stay in one place. Despite offering multiple times to pay him $5 to sit quietly, they never had to pay out. Cory loved to meet people and see them smile. Cory even learned to ride a unicycle and make balloon animals for children, a skill he broke out at every available opportunity. Cory enjoyed serving as a mentor-leader for his church’s young men’s and scouting groups. He was a positive, down-to-earth influence on many people, young and old alike. In his private and public life, Cory served on far too many boards, committees, and commissions to number. Cory’s dedication to serving his community was remarkable in both scope and depth and will be remembered for many years.
Cory’s desire to help those in need persisted his entire life. As a young man, Cory found a passion for law enforcement and began working for the Washington City Police Department in 1986. On January 1st, 1987, the Washington City Police were absorbed by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and Cory continued the rest of his 35-year law enforcement career with the Sheriff’s Office. While at the Sheriff’s Office, Cory worked his way through every rank, from Deputy to Corporal, then Sergeant, and finally Lieutenant. While serving as Sergeant supervising the Search and Rescue Team, Cory found a new enthusiasm for helping others, especially those who found themselves in dangerous circumstances. Search and Rescue remained dear to Cory’s heart for the rest of his life. In 2010 Cory was elected to the first of three terms as Sheriff of Washington County. Cory took his role as Sheriff very seriously and was dedicated to serving the citizens of Washington County to the best of his ability. Cory worked tirelessly to promote the welfare of both the citizens of Washington County and his employees at the Sheriff’s Office. When asked at his retirement what he wished to be remembered for, Cory said that he hoped he would be remembered as an aggressive advocate for “his people”.
Cory is preceded in death by his multiple sets of grandparents, his father, Jack Pulsipher, his biological father, Arlon Anderson, and his sister, Lisa Pulsipher. He is survived by his wife, Cathy Pulsipher, his mother, Linda Pulsipher, and his children, Scott (Allison) Pulsipher, Dacy (Rob) Leany, Amy (David Dursteler) Pulsipher, his two grandchildren, Cory Luther Pulsipher and Dorothy Dwan Leany, as well as his siblings Brian Pulsipher, Dell (Cindy) Pulsipher, Dan (Jen) Anderson, and Theresa Howell.
In accordance with Cory’s wishes, there will be a viewing and visitation on Wednesday, May 11th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the LDS Stake Center at 1130 East Brigham Road, St. George, Utah. There will be a private family graveside service at a later date.
Instead of flowers, Cory’s family asks that donations be made to the Washington County Search and Rescue, so that his legacy of helping others may carry on. Donations can be made at:
https://sar.washeriff.net/donate/
