Corey Walter Goldsmith

In Loving Memory of Corey W. Goldsmith

With broken hearts and deep love, we share the passing of our son, brother, and friend, Corey W. Goldsmith, who left this world on June 15, 2025, at the age of 39, at our family home near Cheboygan, Michigan.

Born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1985, in Petoskey, Corey was a bright light in our lives from the beginning. He graduated from Petoskey High School in 2004 and went on to earn a degree in Psychology from Rochester Christian University, followed by a master’s degree in clinical psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. He was a licensed clinician in Illinois and dedicated his career to supporting individuals facing some of life’s hardest battles.

Corey lived with profound depression and anxiety for many years, struggles that often weighed heavily on his heart. Yet these very challenges shaped him into a deeply empathetic and insightful therapist. They allowed him to connect with others in a way few could. He never lost sight of the humanity in the people he served, and he brought patience, understanding, and fierce advocacy to every role he held, including his years at Riveredge Psychiatric Hospital in Forest Hills, IL, and later at North Country Community Mental Health in Petoskey, where he was a valued member of the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team.

Corey was a quiet soul with a wildly creative mind. He had a deep love for the natural world, where he found solace in long walks through the woods, in the rhythm of waves as he combed the beaches for unique stones, and in the peaceful practice of gardening. His creativity was endless. He didn’t just play board games like Dungeons and Dragons; he built his intricate worlds, designing complex game boards that reflected the richness of his imagination and love for storytelling.

He is survived by his parents, Robert Goldsmith and Vickie (Jerry) VanSlembrouck; his brothers, Joseph (Felicia) Goldsmith of East Jordan, and their children, Kegan, Tristan, Trinity, and Trevor. Michael (Meagan) Goldsmith of Allendale, and their children Olive and Abbott; his stepsiblings Becky (Jim) Pesta and their daughters Abby and Maddy; Melissa (Dave) Favot and their sons Ryan and Ben; and David (Amy) VanSlembrouck and their children Roman, Henry, and Aurora.

Corey leaves behind countless memories, quiet moments of grace, and the lasting impact of a man who carried the weight of the world with humility, compassion, and courage. His presence will be missed immeasurably, his daily hugs, his thoughtful insight, and the way he moved through the world with gentleness.

May you find the peace now, Corey, that eluded you in this life. We will carry your memory in every forest path, every beach walk, and every star-filled sky.

With love always.