Patrick "Paddy" Charles O'Rourke

Patrick was born July 29th 1943 in Enniskillin, County Fermanagh and moved to the small town of Rose Valley, Saskatchewan back in September more than 50 years ago. It was on the Canadian prairies that Paddy fell in love – in love with the land, and in love with his truly remarkable wife, Laura. With Laura, he became the father of David. Paddy and Laura were both outstanding, dedicated teachers who worked very hard, saved their money, and spent many restless nights figuring out how to build a new home on 80 acres of farmland just south of the city. Paddy was passionate. He dominated any room that he walked into. Animals were immediately attracted to him, sensing his gentleness. He would literally not hurt a fly. There was the sophisticated Paddy, conversing brilliantly with the elite at some of Britain’s most esteemed universities. An overnight flight back to Canada, and he transformed into Paddy the farmer, plodding through his fields with his dogs and checking the trees he was constantly planting. He was Paddy, the uncompromising editor of the literary publishing company, Thistledown Press. The next day he was Paddy the corporate executive, flying first class to London to lead a new initiative for Laing O’Rourke. For most of his life he was Mr. O’Rourke, the high school English teacher whose passion for language and literature made an impression on thousands of young people during his 30-year teaching career. Paddy officially became a Canadian citizen more than 30 years after moving here, long after his retirement as a teacher and the death of his wife.

Paddy passed away September 15th, 2017 in London, England and will be lovingly remembered by his son David and his partner Helen along with their child Alexis; his brothers Noel, Desmond and Ray; sister Marie; nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, numerous in-laws and friends. Paddy is predeceased by his wife Laura, mother Mae, and father Charles “Charlie”. Paddy, you will be dearly missed by all whom you have loved – and by all those many people you have influenced with your passion and your zest for life. A tribute concert will be held on November 7, 2017at the Bassment Jazz Club. For more information, visit their website www.thebassment.ca.

A Service of Remembrance will be held on Friday, October 27, at 11:00 a.m. at the Acadia-McKauge’s Funeral Centre