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Rowland Oonk Obituary
Arizona businessman and former Tempe City Councilman passed away on August 25, 2013. Rowland was born in Owosso, MI on December 15, 1923 and was raised and attended school in Frankfort, MI. Rowland graduated from Michigan State University with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He enlisted in the Armed Forces and served briefly in the Coast Artillery in 1942 and received an honorable discharge. He began his career at the Ford Motor Company. He joined Arabian American Oil Co. in 1953 and moved with his family to Saudi Arabia. He worked there and in Libya, Lebanon and Kuwait for local contractors for 12 years. Upon his return to the U.S. he settled in Arizona and became VP of Penn-Mor Mfg. Corp. in Tempe. Later he purchased a toy store and operated it as OONK'S TOYTHINGS. During this period he was elected to the Tempe City Council where he served for seven and a half years. He joined St. Mary's Food Bank in July 1990 as Business Development Officer. He and his wife Vicki relocated to Hawaii in 1993 and he volunteered for the Hawaii Food Bank and later worked for Mental Help Hawaii as Development Director. He rejoined St. Mary's Food Bank in Phoenix in 1996 and later became Development Coordinator. Other activities included Vice President of the National Knitwear Mfgs., President and Executive Director of the Tempe Chamber of Commerce, President and Membership Developer for the Arizona Association of Industries, Board member of the Arizona District Export Council, the Saguaro Bank and Junior Achievement. He was one of the founders and a life member of the Tempe Diablos. Survivors include his wife, Vicki, daughters Toni Lynn Purtill (Jim) of Henderson, NV and Lori Sue Sorenson (Shawn) of Redmond, WA and sons Russell Oonk of Addison, TX and Richard Oonk of Galveston, TX. He has 5 grandsons, 3 granddaughters, 5 great grandchildren. No services are planned. The family suggests contributions to St. Mary's Food Bank, 2831 N. 31st Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85009.
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Memories and Condolences
for Rowland Oonk
Paul Barnes
August 22, 2021
Worked with Rowland at SMFB with great pleasure. He and Vicki were my food friends. Every remembrance of them is so positive.
Vicki Cross
August 23, 2020
It’s been 7 years since you’ve been gone. It took me several years to let go and move ahead in my life. I knew God wasn’t going to leave me where I was. You are sorely missed by family... Alex talks about you often. He’s going to be 18. He begins college in a couple of weeks. He wonders what you’d think about the world today, if you were still here. Especially, in the world of politics.
XOXO
Randy Dickason
September 25, 2013
I knew Rowland from working with his wife Vicki at Catholic Social Service. He would occasionally drop in to see Vicki, and I came to know Rowland more socially than professionally. The most important thing that I want to note is how full of energy Rowland was, and how youthful he was. Truly, I think Rowland was someone who never bought into the conventional view of aging. As my birthdays roll around, I plan to be just like Rowland and laugh in the face of Father Time! Thank you, Rowland, for teaching us all how to do that. I don't need to "wish" you anything, as I "know" you are in a better place.
September 20, 2013
September 20, 2013
September 20, 2013
September 20, 2013
Sean Purtill
September 17, 2013
Grandpa Oonk,
What an incredible life you lived. You aged so well and were so young at heart we always expected to have you around forever. (Like a good-looking vampire with a taste for bloody Mary's … and wine out of the box). I will miss your great, competitive spirit. I won't forget our last pool game at PT's pub where you and my dad rallied to beat Mike and I over a few beers (several times). I regret that we will never get to even the score. In looking back through the most recent pictures, you always had a smile on your face and a drink in your hand. I loved that you were always up for a good time, and visits with you were always enjoyable and festive. In looking around at my cousins, brothers, and uncle, I think those are traits that have been passed down to all of us. You are a model of a life well lived. Thank you for producing two amazing daughters, being a part of our lives, and for always being so genuinely kind to my kids.
Out of Africa Zoo Trip
September 15, 2013
St. Paddy's Day Parade
September 15, 2013
Richard-son, Stacey granddaughter,Great granddaughters Kylie and Kensi
September 13, 2013
Daniel grandson--Kylie greatgranddaughter
September 13, 2013
Vicki Oonk
September 13, 2013
Vicki Oonk
September 13, 2013
Vicki Oonk
September 13, 2013
Vicki Oonk
September 13, 2013
Vicki Oonk
September 13, 2013
Vicki Oonk
September 13, 2013
Vicki Oonk
September 13, 2013
Vicki Oonk
September 13, 2013
Vicki Oonk
September 13, 2013
Don Fuller
September 13, 2013
Hey pops- pleasure knowing ya buddy and you will be missed for sure - Thank you for raising such a great family and one of my best friends Russ. Join ya when it's my time and be sure to put a good word on for me - love ya!!
Russ Oonk
September 13, 2013
Russ Oonk
September 13, 2013
Russ Oonk
September 13, 2013
Russ Oonk
September 13, 2013
September 13, 2013
Grandpa
Russ Oonk
September 13, 2013
Rick Oonk
September 13, 2013
Dad, I loved you always and always will!
Your son, Rick
Isabella Oonk
September 13, 2013
I love you Grandpa and I will miss you. Thank you for my basket and being a great grandpa!
Russ Oonk
September 13, 2013
Dad, I have read all of the comments here and it covers so much. You are missed because of the kind of man you were to so many people. Your life carried you across many miles, adventures, and families leaving all you touched with the fondest of memories of you. Saying you were a great man is not quite enough to display the efforts you went to in life with family, business, and friends. As a father, you had me at age 45, I am now 44 and can't imagine being a new father at this age. You raised me not knowing how many years you would be around as I grew up. I am the luckiest guy to have had you in my life for 44 years! You have taught me many things in life and I cherish the qualities you have instilled in me. Your humor, value of life and friends, your business sense, the respect you gave and gained from others, your love of family, your competitive spirit, and most of all your traits of being a father which I use with Izzy as she grows. I see now why you loved your kids so much because we share that love for ours. Wishing you were still here is selfish because you lived an incredible long life. Now I hope you have new feet, a new set of clubs, and a cold one in your hand while rejoicing in heaven with family and friends who greeted you. The selfish part is there are many that will miss times with you. Love Always, your grateful son, Russ (Kiddo).
Patricia Conte
September 12, 2013
I had lost touch with Rowland, but was thinking of him recently. I will cherish his friendship, and the wonderful stories he shared with me when we both worked at St. Mary's Food Bank. What a kind, generous and interesting person! My thoughts are with his family.
Beverly Moreno
September 12, 2013
Rowlands visits were the bright spot in the day when my husband was so depressed over his own health. Rowland would always brighten his day. A "gentle" man and a gentleman, he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Matthew Sorenson
September 12, 2013
I have learned so many things from Grandpa. One thing Grandpa instilled in me was to always count my pennies. Each time he would come visit, he would leave behind a stack of pennies for me to find. It was in these subtle ways of passing on life lessons that meant so much to me. I will carry all of Grandpa's lessons with me and pass these on to my grandchildren when the time comes. Thank you Grandpa for all you have shared with me and for being such a kindhearted, wonderful person.
September 10, 2013
Mary Maloney
September 10, 2013
Rowland made a new best friend during the last few months of his life. A black lab named Jamie. It was love at first sight. When they were together, Jamie was a puppy again and Rowland a kid again. Rowland's smile and Jamie's wagging tail is a memory I'll cherish of this wonderful man.
The bucket list for most of us should be a single entry - a life well lived and loved. A loving, caring, intelligent, curious man is now at peace having lived his life to the fullest.
Rich & Tracie Warren
September 9, 2013
We shared over 20 years with Rowland as my mom's husband and also as "Papa" to our son, Alex. There are so many wonderful memories we will cherish for the rest of our lives. We are blessed to have had such a wonderful man in our lives, he was truly one of a kind. I could not have asked for a better man for my mom and we could not have asked for a better Papa for our son. We will miss Papa more than he will ever know. Much love for Papa & Mom, today and always.
Laura
September 8, 2013
Memories are not just in the mind they are carried in the heart forever. Memories carried in the heart never die. Rest in peace friend. You will never be forgotten.
Scott & Angela Pierce
September 8, 2013
Unfortunately, we were not able to spend as much time with Rowland, our brother-in-law, as we would have liked. However, the time we did get to spend with him was memorable. Rowland and Vicki came to stay with us in Nebraska for a week. In coming up with things to do on their visit, we decided to go to a winery. Rowland didn't say anything but the look on his face was priceless. You knew he was thinking, ”a winery in Nebraska?”. Once we told him there were over 120 wineries in Nebraska, he was intrigued. It turned out to be an enjoyable afternoon. Some of our fondest memories are of the 4 of us playing Wii bowling in our basement for hours and buying sweet corn at the local Farmer's Market. It was a week full of laughs and Nebraska firsts for Rowland and Vicki.
We will always remember Rowland with joy in our hearts.
Love, Scott & Angela Pierce
Jonathan Purtill
September 7, 2013
I think the first memory I have of interacting with grandpa was during christmas in Arizona when I was just old enough to remember things. He had gotten me a toy called teddy ruxpin-a bear that talked via cassette tapes that you inserted into his stomach. It was the popular toy of the year. Most shops were sold out, fights were breaking out in toy stores, and they were being resold for exorbitant prices. Grandpa somehow got his hands on one (I dont remember how),and both he and my parents were excited to see me react to the most popular toy of the season. Unfortunately, it terrified me. Something about the way its mouth clicked when it moved, combined with the weird robot voice imitating a friendly bear, made me just start howling. I still feel bad about that.
The thing that impressed me most about grandpa was how he never slowed down. Nearly every time we visited, he was in a new location, trying his hand at a new job, and having new adventures. Age seemed to have nothing whatsoever to do with how he conducted his life. It's something I hope I can keep in mind during these next 60 years or so.
September 7, 2013
Sheri Purtill
September 5, 2013
Rowland, I am so glad you spent time over the past several years writing a book of Remembrances. I read it cover to cover within the first few days of receiving it. Taking a peak into your younger life was such a wonderful opportunity to get to know you better, and realize what an adventurous life you lived. No accomplishment in life could be more important than your roll as a Father. If your daughter; my mother in law, is any reflection of your success in that role, you truly shine because she is one of the best examples of true goodness that I know. Thank you for her.
I love your last message to Vicki what sweet, loving, and valuable advice. Love you Vicki.
Michael Elze
September 5, 2013
Dear Rowland,
I got to know you over a Hot Dog. Not the one you eat, but the Dachshund by that name you had when we first met in Saudi Arabia. It was an interesting time then, and it was also the foundation for a friendship that has lasted, ignoring geography and distances over 35 years. You were one of the parties that encouraged me to move to the United States, and to eventually become an American. I have always enjoyed your fast wit, your humor –some called it strange – but that's why we understood each other. From Al Khobar to Germany, to Houston, to Phoenix, to Hawaii and to Los Angeles, we have somehow always been neighbors, friends and soul mates. You will be missed, and you won't be forgotten.
Lori Sorenson
September 5, 2013
Our dad was a man with many strengths and much kindness. He always made you feel like the most special person in the room. He was always interested and interesting. He cared about many things in life but most about people. He was always ready to try something new and seemed to enjoy each moment. I will miss so many things about him but feel so fortunate to have had him in my life for so many years.
Millie Maggio
September 5, 2013
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Kim Faust
September 4, 2013
Grandpa,
I will miss your distinctive laugh, your funny sayings "how bout that", your thoughtfulness and your fun loving personality. You accomplished many things throughout your life and touched many lives of friends and family. The book you gave us with your life stories amazed me . You will be missed by me and your great grandaughters.
Toni Purtill
September 4, 2013
My Dad was the best example of a life well lived. He had many friends of all ages. He was a kind caring man with a heart for helping others. He was successful in many business endeavors because he believed in doing everything to the best of his ability. He cared deeply for his family, made us all feel special and was an example to us all. We all feel blessed to have had him as our Dad and our friend.
Your loving wife, Vicki Oonk
September 4, 2013
Rowland,
I will always be grateful that we had so many years together. When I think of you, so many things come to mind but mostly that you were a gentleman. You lived your life to the fullest. You cherished family and had lifelong friends. You were truly a remarkable man who stood out from the rest. You were a person who thought of others and worked hard to give back to many people throughout your careers. I say careers because you were a man of many talents. One person wrote that you were a “curious” man. You were a person who sought to find out about anything, everything and sometimes nothing. Even as you prepared for your rest, you left a note telling me to “miss you…but let you go”. You wrote, “I want no rites in a gloom filled room, why cry for a soul set free”! “Miss me a little, but not too long and to remember the love we once shared”. You said to “bury my sorrows in doing good deeds” and for you, that's what I will do. You are gone but you will never be forgotten.
I am missing you!
John Murray
September 2, 2013
Rowland was a true gentleman, he taught me a lot about life and about being a man. He lived a great life and left a lot of close freinds. God bless his family members.
Karen Johnson
September 1, 2013
I will miss Rowland so much. He was the first person to greet us when we pulled into Sunflower last December. It will not be the same. I feel very fortunate to have met him and been his neighbor for the past two years. My heart goes out to Vicki and his family. A special man.
August 30, 2013
Vicki, so sorry about Roland. We will miss his input and willing smile at the basket club. Our prayers are with you. Sandy Foulk, Athens, Ill
Alex Warren
August 30, 2013
Grandpa, I am going to miss you, I know we are not supposed to have favorites but you are for me,
Paul Barnes
August 30, 2013
Rowland became my friend when I became Development Director at St. Mary's Food Bank in 1992. He was a part-time Development Officer, working primarily with businesses. Because of his own business background and experience he was particularly successful in raising money for the Food Bank from businesses. Rowland was easy to get to know, and we quickly developed a strong friendship. He was a man of integrity, wisdom, focus, and initiative. God Speed, Rowland. Blessings to Vicki.
Jim Mack
August 29, 2013
Rowland was a good friend, we had some great times together and we will all miss him.
Ed Coyoli
August 29, 2013
God Bless this gentle man who had a heart of gold and inspired many including myself. We were truly lucky to know him these past few years.
john scott
August 29, 2013
Vicki
It was a great pleasure knowing and working with him in the Basket Club. We were looking forward to his role as VP. He will truely be missed in the Club.
August 28, 2013
We have fond memories of Roland. He always had a smile.
E.G. & Carol Barmore
Ron Pies
August 28, 2013
Rowland was a tremendous community leader. He was always involved in any activity that would improve the lives of citizens in Tempe. However, he was more than that to me. He was a friend and we enjoyed playing tennis together with others who shared our limited skills. My condolences to his family.
Terri
August 28, 2013
May you find comfort in the "God of Comfort" during this difficult time. Luke 1:78
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