Obituary of Joseph Corda

Joseph Frank Corda passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, November 12, 2010 with his loved ones by his side. Joe was born in Pueblo, Colorado on February 5th 1934. He grew up in the Los Angeles area and graduated from Leuzinger High School in 1952. The same year he married Bonnie Corda. Together they had five children. He began his distinguished Real Estate career in the Los Angeles area with his own business Charter Real Estate. Joe moved his family to the High Desert in 1972 to work for Boise Cascade as the Project Manager developing Spring Valley Lake in Victorville, California. He served as the President of the Victor Valley Board of Realtors in 1977. He became a licensed Contractor and formed Charter Real Estate and Construction Company, building over 300 custom homes in the High Desert. Although most of Joe's professional life had involved Real Estate, his life long passion for art had him continually pursuing the study of art forms in workshops and classes. After working in oil and watercolor for many years. He developed an interest in Sculpture, and in 1987 a summer workshop in Pietrasantra, Italy gave him the opportunity to study the Old Masters, and for him, solidified a career in stone sculpture. Joe was an active member of the Victor Valley Community supporting many Philanthropic causes. He conceived the idea of a Cultural Arts Center in the High Desert and worked diligently to make it happen. Along with fellow artists, he co-founded the High Desert Cultural Arts Foundation and served, as its first President. He designed and sculpted a marble piece known as "The Aurora Award" that has been reproduced in Bronze and is conspicuously awarded each year to an individual for their outstanding contributions to the Arts. In 1999 he and his companion Diane Fisher moved to Banning, California and opened Corda Art Gallery. With his vision to revitalize the downtown area through the introduction of art, he worked hand and hand with local artists to form an art community. Joe was an active member of the Banning Community serving on the City Planning Commission for one term. He wrote a monthly Artists column for "The Valley Messenger." Joe had a passion for helping others see their potential in art forms. Through an after-school project with the Banning Artists in Residence, He voluntarily taught art classes to local children. His gift as a Master Sculptor allowed him the opportunity to share his craft with many artists. Most recently he was striving to help war veterans, through an art therapy program called "Vet-Fast". He was pivotal in establishing a 'Sculptor Garden' at the Women's Club of Banning, Where many Artists have displayed their work. Our Father's kind and generous spirit has touched many lives and he will be greatly missed. In the wise words of his 5-year-old granddaughter Angelina "Pop will always be in our hearts." He was a much loved companion, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.