Wayne Robert Rourke

Wayne Robert Rourke September 20, 1952 - July 25, 2021 Born in Powell River, son of Bob and Anne Rourke, predeceased. From a young age, Wayne knew what he wanted to do, and that was to be in business. As a kid he had his own paper route, was a member of his school's Junior Achievement Club and after high school started a number of unsuccessful ventures with his friends, including a recycling centre, and an overly ambitious tree planting contract. Wayne soon started working for Fisher Stoves, a business he would ultimately buy, and move to North Vancouver where it was rechristened as North West Stoves, shifting the company's focus from manufacturing wood stoves to distribution. He was proud of the company he ran, and the deep relationships he built with the many employees, customers and suppliers over his four-decade career. Wayne was an outdoorsman, raised in the Scouts; he loved camping with his family in his pickup truck camper, and later in their RV. His sons will remember their frustration in asking "Where are we going?" and only being told "On a magical mystery tour." His family will always cherish driving across Canada together, and across the USA and Mexico. Wayne enjoyed kayaking, bike riding, working in the garden and being on his tractor. He had a taste for good wine and good food. His greatest lifelong love was being out on the ocean on his sailboat with his dear friends and family. He is survived by his loving wife Zoe, his sons James and Grady, his brother Dave Rourke (Dorothy), sister-in-law Patricia McLean, brother-in-law Clifton Phelps (Anita), nieces and nephews Cam (Daniella, Jeremy), Leah, Emily, Devon and Mackenzie. He was proud to be a member of the Carwithen Clan of the Comox Valley. Wayne's family would like to thank Dr. Paul Klimo, his team at BC Cancer, and the many others who supported him over his four-year battle. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Stephen Lewis Foundation, and BC flood relief efforts. Family and friends are encouraged to view dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/surrey-bc/wayne-rourke-10284276.