Brian O'ROURK

Brian Joseph O'Rourk, age 54, was accepted into our Lord's arms June 12, 2024, when a single-engine aircraft he was piloting went down near Elk River, Idaho. His final act was to ensure the survival of two of his sons, also aboard. Brian was a beloved and admired son, brother, cousin, uncle, friend, veteran, coach, mentor, founder, husband and father.

Brian was born on September 10, 1969, in Rockville Center, NY, as the fourth of five children to Jean Laura (Imburgia) and Robert Paul O'Rourk. His parents remember Brian from the beginning as being gentle and intelligent with a zest for life and a drive to excel. One of his earliest drives was to fly. Earning an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy became an unwavering goal.

Throughout his youth, Brian balanced this dream of flying with his love of family, friends, faith and fun. He excelled on the Ward Melville High School (class of 1987) lacrosse field alongside his teammates and brothers. As his siblings fondly remember, Brian worked hard and played harder. He earned many nicknames from the various parts of his life and developed rare and long-lasting friendships along the way.

Brian attended the USAF Academy (class of 1991) where he played Division I lacrosse. As a senior, he was named "Most Valuable Lacrosse Player." That same honor was bestowed on his nephew and Godson Matthew O'Rourk at USAFA in 2021. After undergraduate pilot training in Del Rio, Texas, Brian was assigned the KC-135 at Altus AFB, OK. He went on to fly KC-135s at Fairchild AFB, WA and then the WC/OC-135 at Offutt AFB, NE. He separated from active duty in 2000 and joined the Washington Air National Guard. In 2006, Brian entered the active reserves. He retired in 2011 as an Academy Liaison Officer.

In 2001, while serving with the Washington Air National Guard, Brian was hired at FedEx as a DC-10 Flight Engineer. His career evolved to the MD-11 and the 777 as First Officer. Brian was currently a Captain on the 767.

The transfer to Fairchild Air Force Base in 1994 was the start of a new adventure when he met his future wife, Therese Conley. They were kindred spirits, sharing their Irish heritage, intellectual interests, love of country, and Catholic faith. The two families from opposite sides of the United States came together in Spokane for their marriage in 1997. Therese and Brian share four children and would be celebrating their 27th anniversary this summer.

If the opportunity did not readily present itself for Brian to do something he loved or what he felt was needed for his children, he created it. In 2008, he joined the newly founded Spokane Youth Lacrosse board and began contributing to the building of lacrosse in Spokane on all fronts. He coached at Gonzaga Prep for 10 years, coached multiple youth teams, trained referees, mentored coaches, and was currently the head coach and Athletic Director at Chesterton Academy of Notre Dame. Lacrosse was a passion that first centered on a love of the game, but as Brian's faith deepened, competitive sport became a vehicle to connect with his children and their peers. He sought the development of the whole person in body, mind, and soul on a path to virtue. Brian planned to retire from the SYL board this June following his youngest son's 8th grade season. He looked forward to a lightened load when he could finally have two sons on the same team, coaching his freshman son alongside his senior son as the culmination of 16 years well served. Through lacrosse, Brian developed deeply personal relationships and a love of all the young men involved, coaches and student athletes alike. He touched countless lives radiating joy, humor, and a fatherhood and manhood worthy of praise and imitation.

The most recent opportunity created for his children was becoming one of the founding families of the Catholic classical high school, Chesterton Academy of Notre Dame. Brian served on the board from its inception in 2019 and again contributed on all fronts including his care and concern for the facilities, athletic programs, and each and every individual student. Brian would consider the long-term success of this school as his greatest accomplishment.

Brian's work and accomplishments cannot be spoken of without also speaking of his respite. The most beautiful memories of his children, family and friends were made on the sandy campground and beaches of Hither Hills State Park in Montauk, NY, and on his deck and behind his boat in Hayden Lake, ID. There is peace knowing all will continue to think of Brian when they gather there. Brian's early death creates a tremendous void. But he has surrounded himself, his wife and children with devoted friends, family, priests, colleagues, and boundless young people of limitless potential who will carry on through his witness so that in all things God may be glorified.

Brian was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jerry and Beatrice O'Rourk; grandparents, Charles and Laura Imburgia; father-in-law, John R. Conley; brother-in-law, John R. Conley Jr.; niece, Molly Conley; and infant nephew, Robby Deibert. Brian is survived by his beloved wife, Therese; children, Erin, Brendan, Charlie, and James; parents, Robert and Jean O'Rourk; sister, Lory Pupatelli; brothers, Robert, Patrick (Stephanie), and John (Terri); mother-in-law, Mary Condon Conley; a multitude of O'Rourk and Conley nieces, nephews, and Godchildren who truly adored him; numerous cherished O'Rourk, Imburgia, Conley and Condon cousins; and life-long friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Brian O'Rourk Athletic Memorial fund at www.chestertonacademyofnotredame.org/brian-orourk or mailed in honor of Brian O'Rourk to 2706 E Queen Ave, Spokane, WA 99217 and to The Cathedral of our Lady of Lourdes at www.spokanecathedral.com/give or mailed in honor of Brian to 1115 W Riverside Ave, Spokane, WA 99201.