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Jim and Kim Lane posted a condolence
Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time....if you need anything please do not hesitate to call us at 905-682-6589.
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The family of Stephen Wallace Rourke uploaded a photo
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
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John Karpowicz uploaded photo(s)
Monday, May 17, 2010
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The Owl
I remember back when I was working at GM (hard to believe it's been 20+ yrs), Steve, Brad Cole, Jim Stack and I went golfing one summer afternoon at Twenty Valley GC. It was a beautiful day and while we were finishing up on one hole, we noticed a large, beautiful owl majestically perched on the tee marker of another hole. We were about 50 yds away when we began to walk at a creeping pace just to get as close to this beautiful bird as we could. Like kids, we were excited and wondered just how close we might get before the owl flew off.......40 yds away......30 yds away......we had already gotten closer than we thought we would.........20 yds.....
and suddenly we all burst out laughing as we realized at exactly the same time that this Great Owl was ... made of plastic !! This is but one of my many fond memories of Steve. He always had a good sense of humour, always had a smile and a kind word, always showed patience and cared about others. Thanks always for your support and friendship. Rest in Peace Steve.
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Rick & Susan Hall lit a candle
Friday, May 14, 2010
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Memories of a Great Brother-in-Law
Memories of the last 25 yrs. that I've known you take me back to not only being the MC at your wedding, but also the times we shared in the early days tearing up the St. Davids and Queenston golf courses where you showed me a lot of tricks to improving my game and most recently having the opportunity to play with you at Lookout Point, which was fabulous. Memories of letting me take Susan for a drive in some of the GM vehicles you brought home, such as that Red Corvette test car which would be torn down later to examine its components. We would talk about sports and later view videos of your involvement in "Robotics" where you and GM worked with tomorrows generation of students in both watching them build and use them in competition. I'll always remember the many family get togethers, with our interpretation of the Simpson's. You always a joke or quip as well, especially after Susan would jump into the pool with her clothes on. Your memory will live on in our hearts forever.
God Bless you Steve and rest in peace.
Love,
Rick and Susan
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Mom and Dad lit a candle
Thursday, May 13, 2010
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The Mizpah Benediction
This was the Mizpah Benediction, from Genesis 31:49, which we repeated every morning before you and your sister left for school. "May the Lord watch between me and thee, while we are absent one from the other".
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Melodie and Dean Hewer posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
We were shocked and saddened to hear of the loss of your beloved Steve. Dean and I remember him well from SCS - smart, funny, a great trombone player, a true gentleman and a kind friend. Our sincerest condolences to all of you. Sending love, Melodie (Erickson) and Dean
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Wil Vint posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
My sincerest condolences to Steve's family for their loss. My thoughts are with you at this time.
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Jeff Wheeler posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Very sorry to hear of your loss, I just read about Steve's passing in the Reformer last night.
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Debby Alexander, Edward Seip, John Seip and families posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Dear Cindy and family,
Our hearts go out to you in this difficult time. May God give you strength and comfort. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless you.
With love,
Ed Seip, John Seip, Debby (Seip) Alexander and our families.
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Donna & Dennis Coffey posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Those we love we never lose. For always they will be Loved, Remembered, Treasured, Always in our memory.
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Theo & Colleen Curvin posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Our sincerest condolences to the Rourke Family, may God be with you
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Ed & Sue Stangret posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Our thoughts are with you and your family at this time. God Bless!
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Mary Manson-Hennig uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
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My friend's brother
The Rourke's were like my second family growing up. Steve was sort of like a big brother - a role which suited his personality perfectly. He like to tease, outwit, boss around and play jokes on Janice and I. But he was also inclusive and caring. I remember when he got his really cool attic bedroom and we'd all go up there and play games.
Steve was a good guy. He had a great sense of humour and a quick and inquiring mind. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.
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Gus Zubrickas posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
On behalf of myself, Corey and Lindsay I would like to express our deep regret for your loss. Corey and Lindsay remember Steve as a very kind and nice man as well as a caring and loving father. We will all say a prayer for your family and are hopeful you'll find the strength and courage to take you through this difficult time.
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Eric LePalud posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
I am very sorry for your loss.
Steve has done many wonderful things with his life and it is a shame his life ended so soon. Through his work with Simbotics and starting many F.I.R.S.T. teams in the area I have been inspired to enter engineering. Without him I would not have had such a wonderful time in high school and beyond. I wish you all the best of luck and may our memories of him last an eternity.
Sincerely,
Eric LePalud
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Gary Reid posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Iam so sorry of the loss of Stephen as I never met but knowing Wally and Lois from the Simcoe Gospel Chapel,I felt the need to send my condolences.Gary Reid
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Linda and Steve Slamka posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
It's impossible to put into words our true heartfelt sympathy and love that we feel for all of you. Just know Steve will always have a very special place in our memories. Sending you all our love and prayers at this extremely difficult time. I hope you know there are so many people out here for you! Love Linda, Steve, Amanda and Hailey Slamka
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Joyce and Gary Nicholson; Lois Ann and Wes Craig; Joan Turnbull posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Dear Lois, Wally and Family, You are in our thoughts and prayers as you struggle with the loss of a dear son. No matter the age, losing a child is a tragedy and it is difficult to make sense of it all. We know you will be surrounded by loving family members and friends to sustain you through these troubled days. With time and a strong faith, healing will come and with it, peace. May God be with you in your time of sorrow. Love, your 'Lashley' cousins - Joyce, Joan and Lois Ann.
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Jessica Peursum posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and dear loved ones. My husband Rudy and I are friends of Wally and Lois Rourke. My husband used to work with Wally at LP. They became fast friends and shared many special times. Now once I came into Rudy's life it wasn't long before I met Wally and Lois and loved them right from the start too. It was easy to see how wonderful they were, and still are! We even invited them to be specical guests at our wedding, and had a blast with their magic show and message of how to have a love filled marriage. We never met Steve personally but we pray you are all comforted by our precious Heavenly Father and that you can find peace through this difficult time. Lots of love, the Peursums
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Irma Doerksen posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
To Wally, Lois and family:
So sorry to hear of Stephen's sudden passing!
My thoughts and prayers are with you!
It's times like this when we "Lean on our Lord and Saviour!" May you feel His presence with you now and in the days ahead!
Sincerely, Irma Doerksen, Kitchener
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Jim Stack uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
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Work, Golf and Life
Steve was my first Engineering Supervisor when I started with GM and he was very supportive for the 15 years we worked together at St Catharines and continued to be supportive when I moved to Michigan with GM. Even though our lives diverged these last 10 years, I would always stop by his office to talk to him when I was in St Catharines. Steve was an avid golfer and much better than I. I still remember the many golf outings we shared and the yearly trip we made to the Glen Abbey Golf Course with Roy and Brad back when we were young engineers. Kathy, I, Jocelyn, Kenny and Connor would like to express our condolences to the Rourke family and we will fondly remember the time we shared.
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Wayne and Bonnie Dixon posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all (Steve's family). Bonnie and I are deeply saddened to hear of your precious loss.
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Anita Caslin uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
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Fond Memories
Steve, I will never forget the wonderful times our families shared. From last minute dinner get-togethers, cottage vacations, and times we spent just talking, joking, singing, and dancing.
You were always ready to have fun, try something new, or just go with the flow.
You will be missed by many but you leave us with very fond memories
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June and Murray Barnet posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Lois and Wally,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through these days.
Sincere sympathy to you and your family.
June and Murray Barnet
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Joyce (Laidlaw) Montgomery posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Dear Rourke Family,
I was so sorry to hear about Steve's passing. My prayers and sympathy are with all of you during this difficult time. It's been many, many years since I saw any of you, but have many fond memories! May God grant you peace and strength during this difficult time.
Joyce
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Jim Fair lit a candle
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
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Friends Forever
Steve, I will always cherish the times we had together growing up in Simcoe and sharing a little magic together and a lot of great times! I still use some of the slight of hand tricks we worked on together regularly. My heart goes out to you and your family - especially your dad, Wally, who was also a great insperation for me. God bless all of you in this difficult time. RIP friend!
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Wray Brimmer uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
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Growing up
As a young boy growing up in Simcoe, you have memories of people who you looked up to and considered your mentors,heroes, role models-Idols. Steve was all of these to me and I will always cherish his kind friendship from childhood.
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Sandi Kozak-Chard lit a candle
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
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Long Time Friend
I met Steve when I transfered schools from South School to North School way back in Grade 6. He was one of first friends I had. It was his sense of goofy humour and laugh that I first remember of him. We stayed friends all thru high school which included many band trips, house parties, lunches, 3 math classes in grade thirteen and many more times togeteher. I think I was the token girl in the group of smart guys. Steve always had the right answers for everything but never made us feel he was superior to us just one of the guys.
I was so excited for him when he got accepted into Gm Flint. We all went to Canadian universities but Steve got to go on this exciting American adventure...being from a small town that was really special ....we knew he would go places. I still remember going by his house and he was waxing his new GM car wow that was a sweet car. Wally and Lois were there too looking so proud..I knew he was going places.
When Gary and I moved to St. Catharines again the first person I met here was Steve and his new beautiful wife Cindy. They introduced us to new places and took his over the river to the Jetport for wings. Which is something we did not know all Niagara residents must learn to do. New years eve gatherings, rotary auction parties and just getting together for dinner helped us so much learn the city and great friendships and laughter. When the girls arrived Steve was filled with pride and love when he talked about them.
Laughing is how I will always remember Steve
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Fred Smythe posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
I was so saddened to hear of your loss,my prayers and thoughts are with you through these very difficult times.Steve will be missed by all of us...
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Cindy Rourke lit a candle
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
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A Yellow Rose
Steve and I met in the elevator of our apartment building on Vine Street in 1982. We got into the elevator every morning with the same 5 or 6 people who were, like us, going to work. No one spoke to each other, or looked at each other (I never understood this) but one day, it was only Steve and I in that elevator. He introduced himself to me and said 'I didn't catch your name...'. I answered 'I didn't give it to you'. That broke the ice, and we began to chat. He asked me out for dinner soon after that, and I accepted. When he came to my door and knocked, I opened it, and there he stood, smiling, and holding a single yellow rose which he handed to me. No one had ever done that before. I was so touched that I kept that rose for many years, and wrote a journal entry to myself that this was going to be the man I would marry. Two years later, I did just that. I received other single yellow roses over the 25 years of marriage, all signifying a new beginning of something. It was our symbol. Steve was a good man, a wonderful father to our two beautiful daughters, and a patient 'dad' to the miniature schnauzers we added to our family over the years. Everyone has their good and bad times, but we must remember the good ones and cherish those memories. I will honour him and keep him in my heart always, and think of him every time I see a yellow rose. Love always, my dear Steve.
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Greg Hall lit a candle
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
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Aviation
Aviation is the title of my story, this goes back to the early 80's when my Uncle Steve showed me how to fly paper airplanes out the balcony of the apartment on Vine st. We would let them go and watch them fly, I am sure some of the surrounding houses wondered where these planes came from. We wouldn't just make standard airplanes, no we made gliders and they would fly for quite a bit before they would fall to the ground or we would loose site of them. My Uncle Steve also was a lover of Golf, guess thats were I get that from.. Love Greg..
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Barb Kenyeres uploaded photo(s)
Monday, May 10, 2010
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A Good Sport
When I first met Steve after he married my longtime friend, Cindy, I thought he was pretty straight laced. So when I invited them to my Murder Mystery Party, I wasn't so sure how would respond. When he arrived with his tape on his horned rimmed glasses, short jeans and "greaser" white socks - I knew he was really a good sport. We had a blast and he was SO funny! He was good to his girls, driving them to birthday parties and to our Christmas party. He even sat on Santa's knee!
Yes - I will always remember Steve for his good humour and his love for his girls.
Barb
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Glenn and Sandy Wilton posted a condolence
Monday, May 10, 2010
Dear Wally and Lois: We express our condolences and prayers for God's comfort. Although I don't think we met Stephen, we remember you talking of him often. His sudden passing must be such a shock not only to you, but to his wife and children.
May God comfort, and bless, in this difficult time.
Sandy is away in London with her mom for a few days, so she will see this tomorrow when she returns.
In Christian sympathy, Glenn
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Janice Smith (Rourke) uploaded photo(s)
Monday, May 10, 2010
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Opposite
My brother and I were really were quite opposite, but because of him I know a little bit about a lot of things........I know to always check your bedroom for bugging devices during a girls' sleepover .........I know how to properly remove a postage stamp from an envelope for a stamp collection, I know to never open the door of a fruit cellar without knocking because someone may be in there developing their own photographs, I know how to set up a telescope to watch for UFOs, I know that I'm not very good at playing chess, I know that I hate Star Trek, I know that teachers are surprised when you're not as smart as your brother, I know that I can't play Monopoly for more than 4 hours. But I also know it's possible to live in the same house with your brother and still get along and love each other - unconditionally
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Breanne uploaded photo(s)
Monday, May 10, 2010
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Funny Lyrics
My father absolutely LOVED music. All kinds. But he often never could understand some of the lyrics and usually misinterpreted them. The one that definitely comes to my mind is Kelly Clarkson's song 'Miss Independent'. The lyrics go 'What happened to Miss Independent' but my Dad thought she said 'What happened to my cinnamon bun?' LOL. Everytime.
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Maureen Gilbert & Brian Vrolyk posted a condolence
Monday, May 10, 2010
Wally, Lois and the Rourke Family,
Our thoughts are with you during this time of loss.
Our heartfelt sympathies,
Maureen Gilbert & Brian Vrolyk
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Murielle Boucher posted a condolence
Monday, May 10, 2010
Sending each of you, all my Deepest Loving Energy of Light to help you get through this dark, difficult time of loss... Try to find comfort in the knowledge that he was Loved by the many people that his presence has touched throughout the years... My Thoughts of Love are surrounding you, Always... Murielle Boucher
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Jessica McMahon lit a candle
Monday, May 10, 2010
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A Funny, Kind and Patient soul
I met Mr. Rourke for the first time in my first year of university when Breanne said I could get a ride home with them at Christmastime. He bought us Tim Hortons and didn't let me give him any gas money. We were switching around radio stations and he put it on the 1980's one and started to sing along just because he knew Bre hated it so much, it was hilarious. He then put on the 1940's one which I said was my favourite and he left it on until we got to my house. I met him several times following and he never failed to fill up the car with poor university students and take us home for free. He was very generous with his time, attended millions of university concerts and events and I know we all appreciated his support very much. I know he meant the world to his family and I hope that they remember all the wonderful memories and times they spent with him. I know he loved his daughters with all his heart and I hope they know how proud he was of them.
All my love,
Jessica
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Rosemarie and Larry Aelterman posted a condolence
Monday, May 10, 2010
Dear Janice, So sorry to hear about the passing of your brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Rosemarie and Larry Aelterman
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Breanne uploaded photo(s)
Monday, May 10, 2010
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Marshmallows
My Daddy was my best friend. Despite being the most brilliant, most intelligent, most perfect man I knew, he was also hilarious and had a very goofy side to him. He told me last year that those huge barrels of hay you see in fields, when they are covered in that big white sheet - he told me they were marshmallows, getting ready to be harvested. I'll be honest, being 22, I actually believed him (being gullible as I am)..and he just BURST out laughing. I told the story at a gig that I once had and NO ONE thought it was funny..the only person laughing HYSTERICALLY (!!) was my father. Everytime we drove by fields where there were huge barrels of hay covered by that white sheet, he would say 'Look, Bree! Marshmallows!!!!!!!!!!' I will never forget those 'marshmallows'.
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Wayne Schaefer posted a condolence
Monday, May 10, 2010
My Wife (Janet) and I are so saddened to hear the news and offer our heartfelt condolences for your family†™s loss. Steve was a great inspiration to me, he will be greatly missed ... I would not be where I am today without the trust, confidence and support he showed me over the years .... he gave me the courage to grow and expand myself. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. - Wayne
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Wayne Schaefer posted a condolence
Monday, May 10, 2010
My Wife (Janet) and I are so saddened to hear the news and offer our heartfelt condolences for your family†™s loss. Steve was a great inspiration to me, he will be greatly missed ... I would not be where I am today without the trust, confidence and support he showed me over the years .... he gave me the courage to grow and expand myself. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. - Wayne
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Karen and Lance Balch posted a condolence
Monday, May 10, 2010
Wally, Lois and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about Stephen. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family through this very difficult journey.
Keep Your Chin up, It's Easier to see Heaven that Way!!
Love,
Karen,Lance,Kelby and Morgen Balch
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Joan & Peter Divers posted a condolence
Monday, May 10, 2010
Lois Wally and family.
Please accept our sincere sympathy at this sad time. You are in our thoughts and we will remember you all in our prayers.
Joan and Peter Divers
Yorkshire UK
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Matthew Dobrindt and family posted a condolence
Monday, May 10, 2010
We were saddened to hear of your loss. Our hearts and thoughts are with Steve's family today.
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Nancy Salassidis posted a condolence
Monday, May 10, 2010
Dear Cindy, Breanne & Kendra:
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am sorry for your loss.
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Caroline McCaffery posted a condolence
Monday, May 10, 2010
To the Rourke Family
My deepest and heartfelt condolences go out to the family. May your fond memories of Steve sustain you through this difficult time. He will be missed. Caroline McCaffery
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Diane Sirianni posted a condolence
Monday, May 10, 2010
Dear Rourke Family
Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in every thought and prayer. My heartfelt sympathy. Diane Sirianni
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Nick Lawrence lit a candle
Monday, May 10, 2010
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A great man.
The day I met Mr. Rourke, I knew I met someone special. He was the biggest pushing factor behind the entire NiagaraFIRST organization, and each and every team that came out of it, from FLL to FRC. Every student that came out of this program had this opportunity because of his efforts and his mentorship.
He is the reason why I am the person I am today. Without him, I would never have heard of FIRST or it's ideals.
I will never forget that.
I had the pleasure of presenting Mr. Rourke with a "Thank You" award last year. I remember the look in his eyes as clear as day; It was sincere, loving, passionate and caring.
He did some amazing things for me, my teammates, and everything he came into contact with.
My heart goes out to the Rourke family, and everyone else that had the pleasure to meet him. He was truly someone special.
Rest in peace Steve.
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Naomi & Terry Williams posted a condolence
Sunday, May 9, 2010
To Bree & the Rourke family. We cannot imagine the heartache that you are going through right now, and will endure for the rest of your lives. Lean on each other at this unimaginable time, rely on your faith and love to pull you through. We are thinking of you and we are praying for you and your family. We are so sorry for this incredible loss.
With love,
Terry & Naomi
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Jim and Barb Beamish posted a condolence
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Dear Rourke family
Sending our sincere condolences to each of you at this difficult time. Upholding you in our prayers and love. May your cherished memories of Stephen bring you comfort . God bless you and keep you.
Sincerely
Jim and Barb Beamish and family (Simcoe Gospel Chapel)
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Jim and Kim Lane lit a candle
Sunday, May 9, 2010
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Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time....if you need anything please do not hesitate to call us at 905-682-6589.
Who we are:
Our mission is to serve each family to the absolute best of our ability, along with their friends and to give to the good of our community in which we live and serve.
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George Darte Funeral Home proudly serves St. Catharines ON and the following (but not limited too) communities of: Niagara-on-the-Lake, Thorold, and Lincoln ON.