ROURKE: Oliver Granville "Sam" Rourke of Brandon passed away suddenly on June 17, 1999 at the Brandon Regional Health Centre. Sam was born May 10, 1933 on the farm in Moline, MB to parents Robert and Mamie. He grew up on the farm and attended school in Moline via his transportation, "Toby" his horse. Sam was an active member of 4-H, where he developed his love and respect for people and animals. In 1954, Sam married Agnes Henderson of Minitonas, MB. The Rourkes were happily married for 45 years. Sam started working for the Brandon Mental Health Centre in 1955 and was employed there for 40 years. He started working with dairy cattle and showed his cattle in the Brandon Summer and Winter Fairs, winning many prizes and awards. Later, Sam transferred to Mobile Support when the dairy section was closed. He also assisted the patients with their gardens and spent many enjoyable hours working with friends and colleagues. Sam was a real family man and enjoyed watching his children grow up, spending many hours watching his sons play hockey and his daughter play baseball. Together, the family enjoyed camping and fishing. He also took great pleasure in gardening and spent many hours weeding and watering. He won first prize in the Centennial Beard Growing Contest, ran in the Manitoba Marathon and was an avid curler. Sam was predeceased by his parents, Robert Joseph and Mamie Rourke; and his brother, Alfie. Sam is survived by his wife, Agnes; son, Joe of Brandon; son Barry (Sandra) of Revelstoke, BC; daughter, Heather (Bob) Julius and grandson Samuel of Winnipeg; brother, Bill (Beulah) of Brandon; sister, Ophellia (Hugh) Jones of Vancouver, BC; sister-in-law, Evelyn Rourke; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral service was held at Memories Chapel, June 21, 1999. Mona Franklin, a friend of Sam's, officiated. The family would like to thank Mona for a wonderful tribute to their Dad. They also wish to express their gratitude to George Henderson for his comforting reflections of their Dad. Pallbearers were members of Mobile Support: Danny Buchanon, Billy Bradley, Greg Lowe, Doug Anderson, Len Howell, and Doug Smith. Interment followed in the Rosewood Memorial Gardens. Friends who wish may make a donation in memory of Sam to St. Boniface Hospital Research Foundation, Sleep Lab, 409 Tache Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2H 2A6 or a charity of choice. Arrangements were with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

"They who go
Fell not the pain of parting; it is they
Who stay behind that suffer" Michael Angelo