Obituary of Tim O'Rourke

TIMOTHY JOSEPH O’ROURKE – July 28, 1946 to June 20, 2021

Much loved son of the late Gregory Joseph O’Rourke and Olga (Nicholson) O’Rourke and son-in-law of the late Andrew Fleming and Blanche (Hind) Fleming.

Survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Beverley (Fleming) O’Rourke and his loving son, Brian Paul O’Rourke (Amber Wray).  Also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Stephanie (Kyle McCormick), Gregory and Nicklaus O’Rourke and step-grandson, Sawyer Denis.  He also leaves behind the mother of his grandchildren, Jacqueline Brunelle, and his close friend, Dwayne Shoemaker, both of whom meant the world to him.

He leaves so many to mourn him.  His brother Jim (Lillian) and their children, god-daughter Sherry (Karl), Karen (Dave), Jim and god-son Shawn (Heidi), his brother Dan and his daughter Kim (Robb), his sister Colleen (Dave) and her sons Carey (Jamie) and Christopher.

Also left behind are his much loved in-laws, sister-in-law Joan Gregory (late Jim) and their sons Richard (Janie), David (Hope Ann), Jim (Marissa) John (Giselle) and Grant, sister-in-law Janet Forbes (Vic) and her son Matthew (Mel) and daughter Amanda (Kennedy) and sister-in-law Liz Fleming and her daughter Meghan (Phil) and son Pete (Amy).  Predeceased by his brother-in-law Rob Forbes.

Tim also leaves behind many great nephews, great nieces, cousins and friends and his former brother-in-law, Dave Murdoch.

Tim was born and raised in Chatham and worked as a youngster in the family business, Greg O’Rourke’s Variety on the corner of Queen and Edgar Street.  He began his career in land surveying with E. C. Brisco, OLS, and continued surveying work in the Oil and Gas industry and green energy development under the firm name of Brisco and O’Rourke until his death.  He was also a partner with Bev and Brian in Southside Tap & Grille and Southside Links, Charing Cross Road, Chatham.

Tim was involved in the community from early adulthood.  He was an active member of the Chatham Jaycees for many years and continued with the organization as a Senator and life time member, an achievement of which he was very proud.  He served as Vice-President and chaired many events, including the National convention.

He was a past President of the Ontario Petroleum Institute and a member of OACCET.

Tim was an avid golfer, a member of the Chatham Granite Club, a skier, a boater and he enjoyed life to the fullest.  Most of all he was a devoted son, son-in-law, husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and loyal friend.

The last ten years have been physically and medically challenging but he persevered as long as he could. He fought the good fight and now his battle is done.  It is time for him to rest.  We will miss him beyond belief.

Friends and relatives may visit at the Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home, 156 William St. S. Chatham (519-352-5120) on Tuesday June 22, 2021 from 2-4 pm and 7:30-9:30 pm.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday June 23, 2021 in Blessed Sacrament Church at 11 am.

For the LiveStream of the Mass Click:

Funeral Mass for Tim O'Rourke (June 23, 2021) from Blessed Sacrament Church- 11am - YouTube

Please sign up here for visitation or mass. https://signup.com/go/dVryvtt

Cremation will follow. 

Donations to Outreach for Hunger or Chatham Kent Hospice Foundation would be appreciated.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, June 23 at 1 PM at The Southside Tap and Grill (22318 Charing Cross Road)