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TIMOTHY D. O'ROURKE

About

Essex High School Norwich University

FUNERAL HOME

Ready Funeral Service, Inc. - South Chapel

261 Shelburne Road

Burlington, Vermont

TIMOTHY O'ROURKE Obituary

TIMOTHY D. O'ROURKE - MONTPELIER - Timothy Daniel O'Rourke, 53, of Montpelier, died of a sudden illness in a hospital in Lagos, Nigeria, while attending a conference with his pastor. As a member of the Christian faith, he worked passionately to bring the Word of God to the world. His mantra was "He was going to Heaven and he wanted to bring as many people with him as he could!" His musical mission work was full of joy and spirit. All of those who knew him will cherish the memories of him singing and playing his guitar at the Boy's Weekend events, family reunions and church services. The image of him, eyes closed, head back singing on the porch in the sunshine will last in our hearts and minds forever. He was born to Stephanie and James O'Rourke of Essex Junction on Oct. 24, 1958. At a very early age, his enthusiasm for creating his own businesses and working in his community was apparent. Whether selling popsicles on his bicycle at age 12 or serving as a Page in the Legislature, his beaming smile, bright blue eyes, mischievous spirit and lilt in his step gave joy to everyone he met. He graduated Essex High School in 1976, VTC in 1981, and Norwich University in 2002. He made friends everywhere he went. He worked endlessly to help those less fortunate than himself. He saw possibilities where others saw nothing. His skills were so many; architecture, carpentry, counselor, musician, preacher - but greater than any of these was his gift to us as a loving father, husband, brother, friend and son. He may have left this world, but his generous spirit will live on in the hearts of many. Tim is survived by his greatest loves: his wife of 25 years, Kathy Clairmont O'Rourke; his children, Adrienne and Isaac; his parents; and his sisters, Jennifer O'Rourke Lavoie and husband, Jim, and their children, Sydney and Avery, and Meghan O'Rourke and husband, Dylan Zeitlyn, and their children, Solomon and Sylvan. A memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church, St. Paul Street, Montpelier, on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, at 2:30 p.m. Arrangements are by the Ready Funeral and Cremation Service, 261 Shelburne Road in Burlington. Online condolences may be made to www.readyfuneral.com. Donations will be accepted in Tim's honor to his children's life fund, payable to A & I O'Rourke, c/o Merchants Bank, 1014 North Avenue, Burlington, VT 05408.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Burlington Free Press on Jan. 18, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for TIMOTHY O'ROURKE

34 Entries

Richard Pomplun

December 4, 2024

Petersburg, Virginia
Tim worked with me for a short time, a great person, talented carpenter and artist. So sorry to hear of this loss.12.04.24

Melanie Scott

January 24, 2012

I loved Tim as a beloved friend and brother. I am sad he will not knock on my door any more or sit in my living room and chat with us, nor more uplifting emails or calls. I do know I will see him again and he is in a better place. He will live forever in my heart. God Bless his family and all of those who are missing him.

Patty & Tracey Starr

January 24, 2012

He was our neighbor & friend to all, RIP
Patty & Tracey starr

Lori Pilus

January 23, 2012

To the O'Rourke Family - I went to school with Tim and also lived right around the corner from him in Essex Jct during grade/high school - I remember a few times when we would hang out with other friends like Bob Gifford, Bill Raub, Jay Nadeau.... Tim was a very sweet guy and I was very sad to read about his passing. It sounded like he found his way through the years doing something he truly loved. My heart goes out to you all.

Diane Liberty Adam

January 23, 2012

My sympathy to Tim's family.I graduated with him from high school and remember a kind young man who brought laughter and joy to so many. He is certainly with God in Heaven now,

Susanna Karbowski

January 22, 2012

Sending my sympathy, I remember Tim from high school and extend my sorrow for your loss.

Carl Hilton VanOsdall

January 21, 2012

Dear family,
I had the opportunity to meet Tim in the context of work on behalf of folks living on the margins of our society. Tim had a great heart, sharp mind, steady presence and loving spirit. He lived what he taught and he left the world, clearly, a place full of more love because of his passion and his need to live justly.

Art & Laurie Huse

January 21, 2012

Dear Jim & Stephanie -- We did not know your son personally, but we have learned about his generous spirit, his loving family, and his many contributions. Your son left the world a better place. We are so very sorry for your loss.

Dave&Alice Emilo

January 20, 2012

we met Tim several years ago at a church service and later in Branson, Mo. He was
a very loving and nice man. we will always remember him.

Lisa Allard

January 20, 2012

Kathy, I am so so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find comfort and peace in the fond memories of your husband and from knowing that friends are family are with you at this time.

Cheryl Heffernan

January 20, 2012

Although I did not know Tim personally, I remember Tim from High School. My thoughts and prays go out to all of Tim's family, friends and his church family.

Linnie Miller

January 20, 2012

Meghan I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that our thoughts are with you during this difficult time
-Linnie and Kids

Pam Mack

January 20, 2012

Kathy - I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Shirley Chambers

January 20, 2012

My deepest condolences to Tim's family. I was so saddened to hear of Tim's passing. I worked with Tim years ago at Home Intervention(WCMHS). He was the kindest individual,soft spoken,so easy to talk to,just a wonderful man. He'll never be forgotten, he touched so many lifes.Again my deepest sympathy to all of you. God Bless!

Shirley Chambers

January 20, 2012

I'AM VERY SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT TIM I WAS ONE OF TIM'S CLASS MATE'S HE WILL BE MISS "RIP" GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY

DAVE MYERS COLCHESTER,VERMONT

Jonathan Leff

January 20, 2012

To the whole family, and especially to Stephi and Jim, I send my love and sincere condolences.

tom spraggins

January 19, 2012

offer my condolence to Tims family . i was a member of class of 76 Essex

Larry Johnson

January 19, 2012

I never knew Tim but: What a full life and career he lived and enjoyed while he was among us!
Larry Johnson

Mr & Mrs Andrew Tomczak

January 19, 2012

Adrianne & Isaac, Stephanie & Jim, Kathy, Jennifer, Meghan & Dylan: We hope you all find solace in your memories of the valuable man Tim was. He passed while acting in solidarity with the disadvantaged of this world. Your father, son, husband, brother, and brother-in-law was trying to make this planet a better place when he died. You should all own that.

Danny Bushey

January 19, 2012

Kathy, you and your family are in my prayers.

My deepest condolences.

Barbara Blais

January 19, 2012

Kathy,
My heart felt condolence goes out to you and your family. I am saddened by your loss but happy to read about the wonderful husband you had.

Shirley Dow

January 19, 2012

Kathy I was so shocked and saddened to hear of your loss. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Carla Cobb

January 19, 2012

Tim: You are truly a blessing to the body of Christ. I used to see you in downtown Montpelier as I was out with friends evangelizing. You truly not only talked the talk , but you walked the walk. You are a wonderful example of what being a Christian truly is. We will all miss you but as many others have said, you are up there with Jesus now, no more pain, or worry. RIP Tim

January 18, 2012

RIP Tim!! My heart and prayers go out to his family and friends. You may already know but in time you will understand more that, "He", is Well, Happy and at Peace. It is those of us who are left here on this earth that suffer his loss!!! Blessings, Love and Peace!! Carley, Taylor's Momma

Lisa Liberty

January 18, 2012

Kathy,

My deepest condolences to you and the entire family. Tim is with God now; RIP.
We are all here for you during this very sad time.

Fred DeMag

January 18, 2012

Rest in Peace, Tim; and my God Bess You and Your Family. Thank you for making our world a better place....God Speed, Tim O"Rourke

Patricia Peterson Jamison

January 18, 2012

Jennifer, Having only recently reconnected with you on FB, I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. I don't believe I ever had the chance to meet him; but what a blessing he clearly was to all of you, and all he touched. I am heartened and comforted, though, to know that he is now at the right hand of Christ, his loving Lord and Father. I shall look forward to meeting him there in the future. Even with that knowledge, however, I know that your grief will be long and hard and unpredictable. I lost both my Mother and my Father this past year, and am shocked - too often - by the waves of grief that still hit me without warning.

I shall keep you and your family in my prayers. For me, it was watching the grief of my children that was harder than handling my own. It sounds like your brother was also an amazing Uncle and Dad - so I know that you will share your grief with many.

May the memorial service be a wonderful, joyous, outpouring of love for his life and his legacy and all those he touched. Blessings to you and all your family.

Ann Chapman

January 18, 2012

My sympathies and prayer of comforting strength to you all. God bless and rest his soul.

January 18, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Michele McLaughlin Connelly(Chesterfield, Va)

Karen Geiger

January 18, 2012

Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss.

Kristie Norton

January 18, 2012

Meghan and family so sorry to hear of your loss. my thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. I hope memories of him will sustain you and make this easier. I was glad to have met you Meghan, and your sons when i lived on Elmwood Avenue and Dylan and Solomon were friends playing together. May peace and love be with you always

Ellen Drolette

January 18, 2012

To the entire O'Rourke family....may you always have the memories of such a caring and kind soul! My heart and prayers are with you as you work through your grief and heartache.
Love and prayers.
Ellen Holsopple Drolette

Laura Fitzgerald DeCell

January 18, 2012

I'm so sorry, my thoughts are with all of you. I have many wonderful memories of the family and spending time on Cascade St. You are in my prayers.

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