Cory Allen Ginsbach was born November 12, 1958 in Belle Fourche, SD, wearing the black and gold of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Or so he'd have you believe. The youngest of five children born to Tom and Dorothy (Johnson) Ginsbach, they made their home in Buffalo, SD. Naturally gifted, he was a talented football, basketball and rodeo athlete, graduating from Harding County High in 1977.

He attended Huron College, in Huron, SD, where he again excelled on the gridiron. He graduated with a teaching degree in 1981. Presented with the perfect opportunity of an unexpected gift, he married Kim Hight, also of Buffalo, within weeks of his graduation and welcomed their first son, Clint, later that year.

The Ginsbachs started off their life together in Dupree, SD, where Cory began his teaching and coaching career. Wasting no time revealing his talent for bringing out the best in people, Cory coached the boys basketball team to their first ever state tournament in his rookie year. His motto, "Treat people as they are and they will stay who they are; treat people as they can and should be, and they will become who they can and should be." soon became his trademark. This attitude brought forth a career of professional, and more importantly, personal accomplishments. Soon after the birth of their second son, Wade, in 1984, the Ginsbach's wrapped up their life in Dupree, as Cory accepted a teaching and coaching position in Hill City, SD. They would remain there indefinitely, rounding out their family with the birth of daddy's little girl, Kati, born in 1989.

His career in Hill City spanned 23 years. A respected teacher, "Gins" had a true affinity for the kids he taught. Students will surely remember his patriotic heart (and neckties to match), his loyalty to the Hill City Rangers and his huge bin of animal crackers.

In the sports arena, he was involved in coaching boys and girls basketball, football, track and golf at all levels. He was a determined motivator who appreciated good competitions and the lessons they provided.

As an award-winning Athletic Director, honored by his peers, he was instrumental in starting the cross country and golf programs for the Hill City Rangers among a long list of other accomplishments.

Never complete without a mustache and a ball cap, Cory was a hard working man who offered his time in many ways. He helped with the grounds keeping at the schools, taught Drivers Education and worked at Mt. Rushmore during his summers, and lent a hand at his wife's flower shop when needed. He was a guy who'd pore over the Sunday paper looking for coupons and bargains, but was the quickest one to open his wallet and buy the first round of cold beers after a day of golf - his other true love. He and Kim often gathered friends at their house to enjoy his cooking, and those close to him knew his appreciation for a good cast iron skillet and the barbeque grill. Not to mention a good slice of American cheese and a hearty dose of black pepper.

Never caught up in the lure of city life, Cory loved South Dakota. He and Kim drove tens of thousands of miles attending sporting events of their own children and many others special to them. Cory often enjoyed the road trip as much as the event they were attending, appreciating the sights along the way as he and Kim playfully quarreled over whose music they listened to. If it wasn't country music, or some classic Neil Diamond, he'd grumble - but he'd give in. It was sort of his signature style. He was a man who spoke up for himself and what was right, showed his 'gruff' side when necessary, but also knew when to let things slide and not take life too seriously. And he did it well.

Kids loved Uncle Cory. He was an uncle that grandpas dream to be like. With nearly 60 nieces and nephews, he was often the sole adult wrestling among a pile of seemingly out of control kids vying for his attention. He had a special knack for making each of them feel as they were winning that competition.

In 2007, Cory was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), the disease often referred to as Lou Gehrig's. Ironically, a man who so appreciated tough competition was to be challenged by a little understood, but ruthless and fierce competitor. As the clock ran out, he was in the company of his true love, Kim, in the battleground he loved so much, the Hill City Ranger football field. As if he'd drawn up the last play himself.

He died Friday, September 12, 2008.

He was preceded in death by his mom, "Granny", who recently passed away in 2008.

Survivors include his wife, Kim, and their three children, Clint, of Sioux Falls, SD; Wade, also of Hill City; and Kati, who attends Black Hills State University in Spearfish, SD. He is also survived by his dad, "Grandpa Tom"; sisters, Lee Ann (Rocky) Hopson; Zana (Wayne) Ruby; Julie (Tom) Lambourn; and brother, Ron Jim; brothers-in-law, Steve; Shawn (Sue); Troy (Jacque); Joe (Angela) Hight; sisters-in-law, Paula (Steve) Livermont; Michelle Hight; Starla (Ron) Jenson; Tami Hight; and Sammi (Mark) Schmoyer. He also leaves behind a slew of half-brainwashed Steelers' fans in his dozens of nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will take place at Hill City Ranger football field on Tuesday, September 16 at 10 am. Very casual attire is requested. Graveside rites will be at Hill City Cemetery. A picnic on the field will follow.

In lieu of flowers a scholarship memorial fund has been established at the First Western Bank in Hill City.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Custer. Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.