Mike O'ROURKE

Mike O'ROURKE obituary

Mike O'ROURKE

Mike O'ROURKE Obituary

Published by Ottawa Citizen from Jan. 11 to Jan. 12, 2012.
O'ROURKE, Mike
Suddenly, at his home, Tuesday, January 10, 2012, at the age of 55. Beloved husband of MaryLou (nee Giddings) of 30 years. Loving father of Katie, Sean and Sarah. Cherished son of Yvette and the late Barney. Caring brother of Carol (Bob Elliott) and Susan. Dear brother-in-law of Bruce, Wayne, Colleen and Gordon. Will be fondly remembered by many cousins, other family and friends. Friends may pay respects at the Kelly Funeral Home, 580 Eagleson Road, Kanata, Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral Friday to Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Stittsville, for Mass of Christian Funeral at 11 a.m. In memoriam donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation are appreciated. www.kellyfh.ca


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May 12, 2012

Cecilia Di Felice posted to the memorial.

February 22, 2012

Susan posted to the memorial.

February 21, 2012

Hugh Grant posted to the memorial.

84 Entries

Cecilia Di Felice

May 12, 2012

Hi there Marylou...I'm sorry that I had to hear about Mike's passing before I got in touch with you. I pray that you feel God's hands holding you at this time.

Susan

February 22, 2012

Thinking of you

Hugh Grant

February 21, 2012

I am saddened to learn of Mike's passing and I will always remember him for his kindness and the many words of wisdom and encouragement that he shared with me.

February 4, 2012

Mary Lou and family

I was shocked when I heard of Mike's passing...too young...too soon to be gone. I can't express my shock and sorrow for you. I can only say that he will be missed by many and remembered as a man whose kindness and generosity were his greatest gifts to us all. I am forever grateful that when my brother Donald passed away he was there to help me out too...I will always remember that single most generous act at a time of great sorrow. Now sadly friends and family must again go through this sorrow...but this time it's our turn to support you. Mike will be forever remembered as having a big heart, being generous and loyal. Traits that are sadly going to be missed. I am grateful and happy to be able to acknowledge him as my cousin, it is a rare person who can so quickly make you feel at home in any setting...that is what I will always hold close to me about Mike.

Take Care Mary Lou and kids...my prayers are with you always.

Richard O'Rourke
Langley, B.C.

Melanie Adams

January 23, 2012

Dear MaryLou and family,
We are sad to hear of your loss. I think of the contributions that Mike made to our community and how he will be missed; to Holy Spirit and the children when they were small (we still have Sasha's fishing pole tucked away) and to the Beavers when my son Nik was there and his passion and dedication when he and I worked together on an election....full of love for his family and the community. You are being thought of.
Melanie Adams and Sasha Yasinski

Franco Falbo

January 18, 2012

Mike, may you rest in peace, God Bless you

Franco Falbo

January 18, 2012

Dear Mary Lou and Family,
I was shocked to hear tonight the news of Big Mike passing away, very sad .
Mike will always be remembered by me as a great caring man who gave me my first job and start in the Commercial Property Management industry at Bramalea Ltd back in 1988.
My deepest condolences from myself and also my parents, Johnny and Franca Falbo

Jamie Johnson

January 18, 2012

I remember a lot of great days with Mike as a kid, out flying kites, fishing in the Jock River and building forts in the wilds across from Knoxdale Road. What a wonderful guy.

My condolences to all his family and friends.

Donna & Gary Burnell

January 17, 2012

Mary Lou, We were so saddened to hear of your sudden loss. These events in our lives wake us up to what is truly important and a lesson that life is so precious and so fragile. Our heart goes out to you and your family and trust that God will guide you to be strong to move forward.

Alanna Jorgensen

January 15, 2012

I was absolutely shocked to hear news of Mike's passing. Stittsville has lost a truly unique man.
To ML, Katie, Sean, and Sarah: Everything he ever did was for you, his family -- being involved in Scouting, in school activities, in hockey, dance competitions..... every time I spoke with him it was about you and how proud he was of each and every one of you and your accomplishments. My prayers are with you.

Marion (Macwaters) Voytinsky

January 15, 2012

I was shocked by the news of Mike's passing. How could somebody so full of life leave us so early? I have known Mike since we were teenagers back in Manordale, playing Risk in Jamie's garage, cards at Conferation High, square dancing all over town, biking the canal, taking our Bronze medallions at Nameless Pool, finding a thousand ways to have fun. I danced with a light heart at his and ML's wedding, and made baby bibs for Sarah's baby shower. Mike was always so full of pride at his family. My most heart felt condolances to you all.

January 14, 2012

We were very shocked to hear the news, Mike's booming voice will be missed at the rink. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Ken,Elaine,Jordan and Jared Forlippa

Dave Vincent

January 13, 2012

Mary Lou and family, we are very sorry for your loss and our thoughts are with you.
Millie Vincent, Dave Vincent, & family

January 13, 2012

Marilou, sincere sympathy to you and your family.
Jagoda

Kevin Chappell

January 13, 2012

Sadden by the loss of Big Mike. My heart goes out to his family at this time of sorrow. He will be missed.

I knew Mike mostly from Scouting and from almost every community event in this town Stittsville.

RIP

Sargent Family

January 13, 2012

We are very sorry for your loss and our thoughts are with you.

Cecile El kassis

January 12, 2012

Deepest sympathy to Mikes family.

Lorelee Hamilton

January 12, 2012

We were saddened to hear of Mike's passing. In our very short time knowing him through soccer he showed how proud he was of his children and Mary-Lou. He always had a smile and was ready to jump into whatever role may be needed. Our condolences go out to all of you.
Madison, Mackenzie, Lorelee and Kelby Hamilton (Stittsville Amazons)

January 12, 2012

On behalf of Brian Kennedy's family, we extend our thoughts to someone my father valued as a friend. Cheryl Kennedy

Michael Bryan

January 12, 2012

We have lost a man who was a delight to know and deal with at any level or subject. Big man. Big heart. Big force for good and a tireless friend of community spirit...

Treasure your memories of this man - this father - this husband - this friend.

How terribly sad and sorry I was to learn of Mike's untimely passing.

Be comforted dear family, for so many share your loss and are thinking and praying of you and for you...

FEEL the love that surrounds you ....

January 12, 2012

We were so very sad to hear of Mike's passing. Our thoughts, love and prayers are with all of you at this very sad time. Sharon, Fred, Becki and Vicky Lewis

Janice Tughan

January 12, 2012

I was saddened to hear the news of Mike's passing. My deepest sympathy goes out to the family.

Steve Gregory

January 12, 2012

Condolences to the family. I worked with Mike at The Bay circa 1978. Mike was a few years older than me and some of the other new guys. I rememebr his booming voice. Mike had a great sense of humour and took real good care of us. What a warm soul. May he rest in peace.
Steve Gregory

Robin and Maddie Lyon

January 12, 2012

We are so sorry to hear of Mike's sudden passing. To MaryLou, Katie, Sean and Sarah, you are in our thoughts at this difficult time.

Tara and Laurenne Tynski from SFH

January 12, 2012

To the O'Rourke family, we are so saddened to hear the news of your loss of husband and Dad. Our deepest sympathies ,prayers and support are sent your way. I knew Mike only from waiting for the girls at dance and always enjoyed a chat with him. This is an unbelievable loss for your family and I wish Gods Blessings on all of you

Bridget Mason

January 12, 2012

So sorry for your loss.

Judy Ovington

January 12, 2012

The community will be a less happy place without Mike. God bless you and the family and may you find peace in the knowledge that he is safe in the hands of God. We will say a prayer for all of you. J.Ovington

Dave Lee

January 12, 2012

Mike was a pillar in the community and a tireless volunteer. he will be sorely missed. My condolences to the family.

Janet & Bill Seguin

January 12, 2012

We are so sorry to hear of Mike's sudden passing. Stittsville will not be the same without him... We will remember him sitting in the stands at a number of our son's local hockey games, always the supportive Dad, since his son was a Referee. Please accept our sincere sympathy and know many are thinking of you all at this difficult time.

January 12, 2012

So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time.
Dave, Shannon, Tianna and Caleigh Tempeny

January 12, 2012

To the O'Rourke family. Please accept my sincere sympathy at learning of Michael's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Nancy Roberts (Friend of Carol)

Les Scott

January 12, 2012

I was truly saddened upon hearing this. Mike was a true gentleman in every sense. He was always outgoing, gregarious and fun to be around. As a business associate and friend, there was none finer. Will miss him greatly. My sincerest condolences to his family.

Dwight, Cathy, Ian & Eric Edmondson

January 12, 2012

Words can't express how saddened we are to hear of your loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this tragic time.

Dana Bilodeau

January 12, 2012

MaryLou and Family....
Mike was always ready with a smile, always beaming over how proud he was of his children and always lovingly expressive towards his wife. A family man, a community lead, he is a man who will be missed greatly by many. I am grateful for the opportunity to know him.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to you at this time....

Dana and Family

January 12, 2012

MaryLou, Katie, Sean and Sarah -
Thinking of you at this difficult time and so sorry for your loss. Mike will be greatly missed.

Barry, Lynn, Lauren, and Spencer Andrews
(Stittsville)

Shawn Grant

January 12, 2012

I've been officiating hockey with Sean the past few years, and I don't think we ever did a game together when Mike wasn't in the stands. He was even at meetings sometimes when Sean couldn't make it. What a devoted father. He, and his family, are in my prayers.

January 12, 2012

I had the privilege and pleasure of working with Mike at the Bay during the 80's. His larger-than-life-personality will be very hard to forget and I have very fond memories of our time together. My sincere condolences to his family...

Terry Flanagan

Gary Seed

January 12, 2012

Very sorry to hear the news, my sympathies for your loss. Mike and I and Jamie had many, many laughs 'back in the day' when we roamed the streets of Manordale. Mike was a really good guy and well liked. From all the messages it's easy to see that he maintained that great sense of humour and community spirit. My sincere condolences.

January 11, 2012

Deepest sympathies to Mike's family. My introduction to community involvement was beside Mike in Stittsville Scouting. The voice.... if anyone ever heard him say "BEAVERS" you would know what I am talking about. His love of all the children and Stittsville was a great inspiration for me.

Dave, Mary, Mathew and Zaz Lee

Theresa Clarke

January 11, 2012

My deepest condolences on your great loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

January 11, 2012

Deepest sympathies to Mike's family. My introduction to community involvement was beside Mike in Stittsville Scouting. The voice.... if anyone ever heard him say "BEAVERS" you would know what I am talking about. His love of all the children and Stittsville was a great inspiration for me.

Dave, Mary, Mathew and Zaz Lee

The Bronsards Roxanne, Marc, Kyle and Bridget

January 11, 2012

We are so sad to hear of Michael's passing. He was passionate about life and his family, and we are all better for knowing him. Our prayers are with you at this time.

John Milling

January 11, 2012

My deepest sympathies to Yvette and Mary-Lou and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
John and Alison Milling

Renee Gratton

January 11, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Kevin, Corrine, Annika, Chelsea, Alyssa and Michael Ogilvie

January 11, 2012

MaryLou, Katie, Sean and Sarah;
So deeply saddened by the loss of Mike.
His warm and caring hand will be forever on your shoulders.

Tom Sheppard

January 11, 2012

The news of Mike's passing was quite a shock and I was deeply saddened.

Of all the soccer parents, Mike's voice from the sidelines was the only one that could be heard by the kids on the field — and two fields over for that matter. The players may not have listened to the coach but they had to listen to Mike.

You know a man really loves his children when he spends hours building an electric motor from scratch for a school project which is then graded an A.

Stittsville has lost one of the people who made it a community.

Our deepest sympathies on your loss.

Karen Spindler

January 11, 2012

I would like to express my sincerest condolences to the O'Rourke family. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.

Karen Falcone

January 11, 2012

We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Mike. We first met when Sean and Jonathan were on the same t-ball team, and had that great voice that organized the players in batting order, and continued crossing paths with hockey and Scouting. He was a very caring and dedicated member of our community. Our deepest condolences to you in this difficult time, thinking of you all.
Carlo, Karen, Jonathan and Justin Falcone

Ray & Rollande Lacelle

January 11, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Kristine Burgoyne

January 11, 2012

We will always remember Mike cheering on all the girls at soccer games and never missing a game. What a great daddy! Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. The Burgoyne Family

Shahid & Kaitlin Qadri

January 11, 2012

Mike was a true inspiration and role model to me. He was always there to help, or when times were tough he made us laugh. Thank you for all you have done! Our prayers are with you

Domenique Reynolds

January 11, 2012

Our deepest sympathies go out to MaryLou, Katie, Sean, Sarah and family. Mike was a father who was very proud of his children and we know that he will be dearly missed by all of you.
Domenique, Steve, Sophie, Haleigh and Fiona Reynolds

January 11, 2012

We are deeply saddened by this news as Stittsville as a whole community will mourn the loss of a great face, voice and friend.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Moores

January 11, 2012

Our Condolences to MaryLou, Katie, Sean & Sarah.
Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

All the staff at Stittsville Optometry

Randy & Scott Heggart & Julie Wilson

January 11, 2012

MaryLou, Katie, Sean and Sarah.

Our deepest sympathies. Mike was a wonderful man and a joy to work with at the hockey arenas. Our thoughts are with you.

Michelle Tierney

January 11, 2012

Our prayers are with you. We are so sorry to hear of your loss.
Jordana and Michelle Tierney

Louise Dawson

January 11, 2012

MaryLou and family - our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time of sorrow. Thinking of you.
The Dawson family

Kim Mullan

January 11, 2012

We are very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kim, Frank, Sean, Andrew, Amanda, Laura and James Mullan

Margaret Baxter

January 11, 2012

I am sorry to hear of the passing of Mike O'Rourke. I knew Mike with Stittsville Village Assication and he would do so much for anyone. My Andrew was involved with Beavers so we meet Mike at Beaver camp.Our sympathy goes out to his family.
Neil , Margaret & Andrew Baxter

Shad, Theresa, Ferzana, Shahid and Kaitlin Qadri

January 11, 2012

On Wednesday the community of Stittsville lost one of it's Champions. Michael O'Rourke, was always an advocate for bettering the lives of Stittsville famalies and it's youngsters. Mary Lou, Katie, Sean and Sarah Rose, the love and passion that he had for you guys was unwavering. May God provide you strength and serentity as you deal with the loss of Michael.

Qadri Family

Mary and John Zwicker and family

January 11, 2012

We haven't seen Mike for a number of years and are surprised to hear the news. Sharing in your sadness, please accept our sincerest condolences along with the promise of prayers for the repose of his soul.

Keenan Family

January 11, 2012

To the O'Rourke Family, our sympathies to you all on the passing of a husband, father, community volunteer extraordinaire. We shall miss his commitment to our community and his voice across the many paths we crossed over the years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Sue Fay Healy

January 11, 2012

Mary Lou & Family, we are shocked and saddened by the passing of your wonderful husband & father to his children. He was so proud of you all, he had a heart of gold. A great speaking voice as many a show he would take on to announce our dancers. The Healy family are thinking about all of you, and the SFH irish dancers send condolences.

Chris Williams

January 11, 2012

I am so sorry that this happened to your family, I really enjoyed the times I got to work with mike. I wish you all the best, and I encourage you to carry on his amazing leadership in the Stittsville community. No one will forget Mike.

January 11, 2012

To all of Mike's Family I wish to offer my condolenses for your loss. Mike was full of life and a tremendous individual who I had the pleasure of working with at The Bay Bayshore.May God bless the O'Rourke family at this most difficult time.Mike enriched everyone's life with his inthusiasum, he is gone far to soon.

Vince Mastrogiacomo
Ottawa

Tanya and Sabrina Scott

January 11, 2012

Our condolences, Mary Lou, Katie, Sean and Sarah. We are thinking of all of you in this very sad time.

January 11, 2012

Yvette and Family

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

- Aunt Jacqueline Parker

Brian & Kathleen Edlund

January 11, 2012

Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you as you grieve the loss of your beloved Michael. He was a great man and has left a legacy of many wonderful memories for all to enjoy... may those cherished memories comfort you in the future.

Michael Lascelles

January 11, 2012

My wife Judy and I want to express our deep sorrow and offer our sincerest condolences to Michael's family for his tragically premature and sudden demise. I had the privilege to meet and come to know Michael because he so generously shared his amazing expertise, deep commitment to do the right thing, and professional advice on waste management issues in Ottawa and beyond. At both open houses and recently at our EAC meetings, Michael inspired us with his principles and rich range of creative, yet practical, solutions. And may Michael rest in external peace. Pax Vobiscum Michael Lascelles, Ottawa Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC).

January 11, 2012

"MIke was a dedicated father who was so very proud of the accomplishments of his children. May God grant you peace at this sad tme and the gift of warm memories in the days to come. You have our deepest sympathy." Carol, Mike, Jacob, Thomas and Patrick Lenz
(Stittsville, ON)

January 11, 2012

We are so sorry for your loss. Mike was one of the characters that made Stittsville such a uniquely special place to live over the past 20 years. He was involved in everything the kids joined and loved this community so much. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Kristine, Martin, Alex, Graeme and Fiona Cassels

Danny Gariepy

January 11, 2012

On behalf of the Jackson Trails Community and from Alta and me, MaryLou, Katie, Sean and Sarah please accept our condolences.

Mike was a good family man and solid Stittsville champion. I had the good fortune of speaking with Mike over the course of 20 or so years and he always spoke with passion and conviction but above all he spoke about his family with the joy of a new father every chance he got.

Danny Gariepy and Alta Kirby
President
Jackson Trails Community Association

Alta Kirby

January 11, 2012

A truly wonderful man, I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept our condolences.

Alta & Danny

January 11, 2012

Dearest Yvette and family:

I am so sad to hear of the loss of your dear Mike. May God bless him and welcome him home with Barney.

Love, Caroll & Bernie

Bill Toms

January 11, 2012

I am very sorry to hear about Michael. He was so very helpful volunteering his time to me and others on the City of Ottawa Environmental Advisory Committee.

Al,Mary-Ann,and Everett Mayhew

January 11, 2012

Sorry to hear of your loss. We have many fond memories of times spent with Mike through Scouts and hockey. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

Terry and Linda Webb

January 11, 2012

We are saddened to hear this news. Mike had very quickly become a good friend and neighbour in Jackson Trails.

Terry and Linda Webb

Diane Reid

January 11, 2012

I'm very sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I have fond memories of him from our time at Confederation High School. We enjoyed endless euchre and bridge games, square dancing in the halls, etc. My thoughts and prayers go to his family.

Jessica Breckenridge

January 11, 2012

We are so sorry to hear of this loss of life. Mike will always be remembered and left an impression on all the lives he touched. Our deepest sympathy to the O'Rourke family, Jessica, Derek and Kate Breckenridge

Lesley Littlejohn

January 11, 2012

We are very sorry to hear this news. Thinking of you at this sad time.

Regards from Murray, Lesley and Kayla Littlejohn

Kathryn (Pope) Crawford

January 11, 2012

To all Mike's Family my deepest sympathy at your loss. I remember Mike from when I was a teenager and he hung around the house with my brother Reg Pope. He was always a fun guy to be around and put up with Reg's little sisters bugging him. God has so much more laughter in heaven today

January 11, 2012

I am deeply sorry for your loss. Debbie Wright

January 11, 2012

So very sorry for your loss. You will be in our prayers during this difficult time.
Sarah, Debbie and Nick Wright

January 11, 2012

Shocked to hear this news. Our deepest condolences.
Gary, Mary, Christopher and Matthew Codogno

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May 12, 2012

Cecilia Di Felice posted to the memorial.

February 22, 2012

Susan posted to the memorial.

February 21, 2012

Hugh Grant posted to the memorial.