Cory Dean Dalzell

In loving memory of

Cory Dean Dalzell

18 Oct 1989 - 10 Jan 2026

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Passed away peacefully at home in Waimārama, Hawkes Bay, on Saturday January 10, 2026; aged 36 years. Dearly loved son of Mark and Karen, much loved brother and brother-in-law of Matt and Ruby, beloved fiancé of Helena, and fur children Poppy, and Aspen, a treasured nephew, cousin, uncle of Sienna, and friend to many. Cory will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his kindness, intelligence, loyalty, and the impact he had on all those around him.
- A Service to celebrate Cory's life will be held in Hope and Sons Chapel, 523 Andersons Bay Road, at 2pm, on Monday, January 19. Messages can be left and livestream can be found below.

It's with heavy hearts that we acknowledge the loss of our much-loved nephew Cory.  A brave and courageous young man whose life was taken too soon. He will always be in our thoughts. Lynda and Steve Croy, Steve and Roxanne Salton, cousins Sam, Josh, Emma, Jack, and Mackenzie.

Cory was a much loved nephew of Daryll and Shona, Gary and Donna and Nigel and Sally. He was a cherished and admired cousin of Liv and Sophie, Morgan, Alix, Caitlin and Hayley, Holly and Jessie. Cory was the one who would be looked up to in more ways than one. He leaves a space in the Dalzell clan that will always be felt. We will all carry his memory forever and we will never forget his special place in our family.

Live stream

Livestream

Messages

Mike & Tania Leitch-Heggie

The few times that we meet Cory over the years he has defiantly left an impression on us both. His life ended far too soon, and the courage and grace he showed in the face of such a cruel illness speaks volumes of the kind of person he was. He was clearly deeply loved and his presence mattered. Our thoughts are with you guys in the grief of this loss. Sorry I could not be with you on this sad and difficult day, Tania communicated well to me all the funeral details (Mike)... Much Love Mike & Tania

Carl Potter

My condolences to Cory’s friends and family, I remember Cory from our uni days in Dunedin as a great guy with an awesome sense of humour. Very sad to lose someone so young.

Debra & Neil Seddon

Dear Mark & Karen Our heartfelt thoughts go out to you at this very sad time. We remember Cory as a teenager & what a great kid he was. Sending love Neil & Debbie

Claire Varcoe

Dear Mark & Karen Thinking of you and sending you and the family so much love. Jason & Claire X

James Irvine

Absolutely gutted to hear the news. Cory was one of those guys you form a bond with on the basketball court that becomes a brotherhood. It lasts even when uni ends, your playing days stop and you go your separate ways but when your paths cross again it’s like no time has passed at all. I will appreciate that catch up in Auckland even more so now. My heart goes out to all your family in this sad time. You were taken too soon but hold that court for us mate until we meet again. Big love Big man

Brittney Mackie

Cory and I met as teenagers during our summer holidays in Wanaka, hanging out at camp each summer and then keeping in touch in between with letters and visiting each other in Dunedin and Invercargill. Cory was such a great friend, funny, intelligent and a listening ear. I'm so grateful for his friendship and the memories. Sending so much love to Karen, Mark, Matt, Helena and the rest of your family.

Clare Hamilton

Dear Karen and Mark and family We are very sorry to hear that Corey passed away. Our thoughts are with you at this very sad and difficult time. Clare and Brian Hamilton

Dennis Dunn

Karen & Mark So sorry to hear your sad news Our thoughts are with you both & your family Trisha & Dennis Dunn x

Kelsey Panther

My heart breaks at this news. Cory had a big impact on my life during my uni years. Cheeky and kind, with a wicked sense of humour — he was a great friend and a genuinely good guy. Thank you for the memories. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. Thinking of you all and sending love and support x

Sally Giles

We met Cory and Helena after they purchased the house next door to us in Brooklyn, Wellington. It was clear from the start they were a great team. They were hard workers with ambitious and well considered plans. We often compared notes on the progress (or lack of!) of our renovations, the next plans for our gardens, the dogs and children. We truly admired Cory’s courage, strength and determination and Helena’s dedicated support. We remember Cory’s cheeky quick wit, lovely smile and kind eyes. Sending love to Helena and to Cory’s family at this very sad time. Arohanui Sally Giles, Nigel Case, Maisie and Louis.

Mike Neumegen

In high school, free time was basketball. Sunday nights, a bunch of guys going at each other like it was the NBA finals. Lunchtime games. Unipol. The Edgar Centre. Watching my first NBA game at Cory’s place. When I think about that time, I think about Cory. Accounting class is another one that sticks with me. Most of us were trying to get through it. Cory was locked in. He’d found his calling. He was fun, witty, and always up for anything. RIP mate x

Mel Tudor

I just read today’s ODT .. Mark and Karen our thoughts are with you at this very sad time Margaret and Melvin Tudor