Obituary of Andrew Rourke
Andrew Rourke died suddenly on Saturday, October 19, 2019, as the result of a motorcycle accident near Markdale. Riding his bike was one of the many adventures he enjoyed in life. His untimely death is a tragic loss to his family and community, but we are consoled by the fact that he died doing something he loved.
Andrew is survived by his beloved family and a host of friends from around the world. His family includes his wife Lisa, sons Daniel (Lou-Anne), Luke (Candice), Eric; Daughters Andrea (Cameron), Dayna, Addison (Andrew); And his grandson Levi. He is also survived by his brother Neal (Rosanne), sisters Jenny (Robbie) and Kara (Brian), step-brother Jeff (Linda), step-sisters Tracey (Blake) and Jackie (Brent); Mother Janet, step-father John, step-mother Peg; Nieces Charla, Alana, and Dana, and nephew Nick (Nikki). He will also be remembered lovingly by Lisa’s family; her mother Verna Gingerich, sister Brenda (Temple) Gingerich and Laura’s family; mother Mary Rempel and brother John (Sandy) Rempel.
He was predeceased by his first wife Laura, father Robert, and nephew Brendan. From Lisa’s family he was predeceased by her father, Edgar Gingerich and brother Robert Gingerich and from Laura’s family her father John Rempel.
Andrew was a talented man and will be remembered by everyone for his immense love of riding his motorcycle (Betty), kiteboarding, driving race cars, playing music and hockey, and worldwide adventure. He was an active member of Waterloo North Mennonite Church, heavily involved in Silver Lake Mennonite Camp, Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, RawHyde Adventures, and the Overland Adventure Rally. He volunteered for many years with Out of the Cold and the annual Multiple Sclerosis bike ride. He touched so many lives through each of these places and activities and will be sorely missed by everyone who worked alongside him.
At a very young age, Andrew took on three young children as his own when he married Laura, and continued to care for each of them, along with their daughter, the same way after Laura passed away in 2011. He then was able to show his love and commitment to his wife Lisa and her children until he passed. Andrew was a very proud grandfather to Levi and often enjoyed trips to the airport, playground, and reading him some of his favourite books.
Andrew’s family will be receiving friends at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street South, Waterloo on Wednesday and Thursday, October 23 and 24 from 2pm to 4pm, and 7pm to 9pm on both days. The funeral service to celebrate his life will be held at Creekside Church, 660 Conservation Drive, Waterloo, on Friday, October 25, 2019 at 11am. The committal service will be held at Parkview Cemetery in Waterloo followed by cremation.
Condolences for the family and donations to Silver Lake Mennonite Camp, House of Friendship, Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Foundation (Hamilton), or Multiple Sclerosis Society Grand River Chapter would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy and may be arranged through the funeral home, www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.
Following the committal service at the cemetery, family and friends are invited to gather at Waterloo North Mennonite Church for lunch and a time to visit.
Visit the following link to hear an interview from 2015 that included Andrew.
https://movinairpod.com/episode-46-andrew-rourke/?fbclid=IwAR0NISg62Kip2poOtLspqQ76xt3rNMlg_g8QJx8Gi3uRGGa3tZEWt8Wkebg