Our Son, a Special Spirit, was taken away from us Saturday, April 1, 2000 by a police bullet.
For those who know the whole story, know this did not have to happen. Lenny suffered the wrath of bi-polar disease his entire life and just wanted to live a normal life. Son, we understand, you did not embarrass or shame us, we suffered with you. Son, we grieve for all those who suffer mental illness. We grieve for a society that doesn't know how or want to deal with it. We grieve for the officer who took you from us. We grieve for Dave and Debbie, and all the other's who witnessed this tragedy and were close to you. We grieve for the family, for we all knew your tender heart and we loved you greatly. would have traded you places if I knew it would have brought you happiness and change to your life. I understand Son, why you wouldn't take your medication, even though it was necessary for you to do so. I know you have now been released from your demons and you are now in a wonderful place surrounded with love and peace. You are with those who I know you sorely missed, Grandma Peggy, Grandpa Johnny, Chris, Brian, Tammy and all the others who went before you to prepare a place for you.Son, there is nothing to forgive, your Heavenly Father loves you, your Mother loves you, your family loves you, your friends love you, and I will always love you!, Dad. Lenny Ray Cornia was sent as a gift from heaven to Denny R. and Sondra Kingery Cornia on October 9, 1971.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Peggy L. Cornia; maternal grandfather, Johnnie H. Kingery and cousin, Christopher Kingery. Lenny is survived by his parents; sister, Brittany Cornia; brother, Matthew Cornia; paternal grandfather, Nyles R. Cornia; maternal grandmother, Victoria Kingery and many aunts, uncles, and cousins who loved him a lot.
Mental illness is a tragic disease and affects the organ, called the brain.
The mentally ill are not crazy or possessed by evil spirits. It's just that they look normal physically and don't tug at people's heart strings like people with other physical handicaps. It requires treatment with medications just like any other disease. So that our son's tragic death was not without purpose, in his honor we ask that in lieu of flowers all donations go to The Alliance House, 1724 South Main, Salt Lake City, Utah 84115. (A support organization for the mentally ill and their families to help them in their darkest hours).
Graveside services will be held Thursday, April 6, 2000 12 noon at Valley View Memorial Park, 4400 West 4100 South. The family will receive friends at a viewing Wednesday, April 5th from 6-8 p.m. at Valley View Funeral Home, 4335 West 4100 South. Interment: Valley View Memorial Park. Funeral Directors: Valley View Funeral Home.