John Owen O'Rourke

Well here it is the time has gone by so quickly. I have prayed for you Sandy and your family every day. Such a great loss is very hard to deal with at the best of times. Take care and know that I feel for you and your loss. I know John is looking down on you and making sure you are alright. All the best to you and your family.. Billie

As the years pass it is still hard for me to believe that John is gone. I know Sandy that he was your world as you were his. I pray for you and your boys and grandkids as I know he is missed terribly. I remember all the times he came up to the hospital to see you and was always so kind and gracious. May God grant you the the peace, comfort and strength that you all need to get thru these hard times. Knowing that he is resting in peace should give you some comfort as he is waiting for you...

Just heard about this unfortunate news but I am glad to hear the stadium at River has been named in Mr. O'Rourke's honor. I'll always remember him being an awesome weight training teacher. Go Chieftains class of 2004, we'll miss you Mr. O'rourke!

I am sad to hear this news. Mr. O'Rourke was my history teacher 1992-93. I appreciated his flexibility and kindness. He will be missed.

Mr. O´Rourke taught my 9th grade social studies class. I remember how kind he was, patient, and understanding. I remember his wry sense of humor. He made a point of knowing each student personally, which meant a lot at a big high school. Now being a teacher myself, I appreciate his commitment and his consistency in teaching students well and valuing each one´s potential.

What attracted me to come to Columbia River High School in 1988 was meeting Gordon Elliott and learning of the professionalism of the football program, the basketball program with Gene Detorre and the overall philosophy of the athletic program. It was designed for the needs of the student athletes rather than the convenience of the coaches. I knew immediately that this is what I was missing in the places I had coached prior. Gordy and John had worked tirelessly to develop a system for...

So sorry for your profound loss, I will always remember how nice John was when he would come in the office to see you. I still remember him bringing us Irish soda Brad he had made. I still have the recipe- when I come across it I remember him carrying it in like a football in his hand. My prayers and heartfelt sympathy are with your entire family.

John was my wrestling coach at Lewis Jr High in 1968 for two years. He was a man of great and positive influence in my life. His teaching has been with me for a lifetime. I carried what he taught into my personal life, and it has been a keystone for my forty plus years of professional life as well. I talked to John now and then. Calling him when I would have an issue in the business world. I found his advice as calming and relevant as it was in my school days. He knew how to treat and reach...

Sandy and Family, We are so sorry to hear of Johns passing. What a great man he was. John and Sandy were Neighbors of my folks. I was lucky enough to have John for my history teacher at CRHS-He was the best teacher I had. John also coached our son Casey in football. All the boys loved coach Orourke-My husband Rick always said those boys would stand on their heads in a mud puddle for that man! My daughter Haley was the water girl for the football team and loved coach O'Rourke too. He...