John McDuffie O'Rourke

John McDuffie O’Rourke of Bellingham, WA, passed away peacefully on June 27 at Whatcom Hospice House, surrounded by his family. He always had a great love for family, enjoyed the many family gatherings, and was proud to be an Irish “O’Rourke.” He was 87, born in Seattle on December 22, 1938, to Ruth and John O’Rourke. He had fond memories of growing up with his two brothers.

He graduated from Queen Anne High School in Seattle. In 1958, he enlisted in the Army and served in Korea during peacetime. After his military service, he went to work for a title insurance company in Seattle, where he met his future wife, Janice. They were married in 1965, and eventually moved to Bellingham, where he graduated from Western Washington University.

John loved baseball. He played on his high school team, later joined community teams, and spent several seasons volunteering as a Little League coach and umpire. A lifelong Seattle baseball fan, he followed the sport from the days of the Seattle Rainiers and became an avid Seattle Mariners fan after attending their first game in 1977.

John spent his entire career in the title insurance business, working in Wenatchee, Seattle, and Bellingham. He retired in 2006 as corporate branch manager of First American Title Insurance Company in Bellingham. He was a caring manager, always there for everyone in the office and ready to provide a listening ear.

John is survived by his wife, Janice; their four children, Shawn O’Rourke (Kathleen), Amy, Katie Edwards (Chris), and Ryan O’Rourke; their nine grandchildren, Brigit O’Rourke, Ciaran O’Rourke, Sinead O’Rourke, Willamina Warren, Adrienne Warren, Brielle Warren, Haley O’Rourke, Colin Edwards, and Adam Edwards; and his brother, Woody O’Rourke (Sue). He was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother, Patrick (Molly).

John was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, and he will be truly missed.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 29, at Bellingham First Presbyterian Church, 1031 North Garden St., Bellingham, WA. A reception will follow. Memorials may be made to Whatcom Hospice House.