Memorial for GoodWorks Co-Founder Samuel Cornthwaite, Sep 18; Relatives Hope to Help GoodWorks Continue

Since the sudden, tragic passing of her brother Samuel on September 6, Hannah Cornthwaite has wasted no time preparing a fitting tribute for her beloved sibling.

Hannah (pictured with Samuel above) told the Beijinger that she will act as pastor for the September 18 memorial for Samuel, co-founder of the non-profit coffee company GoodWorks, who unexpectedly died last week of complications from acute pancreatitis. The memorial service will start at 10am at the Congregation of the Good Shepherd, where Hannah also works.

"The religious memorial will be a Christian liturgical service and I will give the eulogy, with coffee following," she said of the service, for which all are welcome to attend.

That memorial will be followed by a celebration of Samuel's life at 1pm at Slow Boat's new Sanlitun location (attendees need only pay for their meal). Guests are welcome to give speeches in Samuel's memory and share stories about his generosity and groundbreaking work in Beijing's goodwill scene (anyone hoping to speak should arrive early, between 12.30pm-1pm, for organizational purposes).

When asked about the GoFundMe for Samuel's medical expenses, Hannah explained that the fund "is still up but we aren't really asking for more donations. Everything not used for medical expenses will go to keeping GoodWorks going."

And in regards to maintaining her brother's non-profit, Hannah said she and her parents (who flew into Beijing shortly after Samuel's passing) will create a team "of people to continue the work Sam started." She and her relatives will work with GoodWorks co-founder Richard Elmore on that effort, though she is unsure in exactly what capacity, explaining: "We aren't yet sure about his current desired involvement since Sam has been the one doing the work for the last couple years. Basically we – Sam's family – will be working with Sam's co-founder to move it forward with as little delay as possible." Elmore could not be reached for comment before publication.

After the September 18 service and celebration, Hannah and her parents will leave China on September 20 to repatriate Samuel's body.

For more information about Samuel's life and goodwill work, click here, here, and here.

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Photo courtesy of Hannah Cornthwaite