![]() |
Stephen Rourke, 1959-2010, RIP
It is with extreme sadness that I have to the report the sudden passing of Stephen Rourke. Steve was the founding mentor of Team 1114 and executive sponsor for Teams 1114, 1503 and 1680. It was through Steve's vision and efforts that Simbotics' became the team that we are today and that robotics has spread throughout the Niagara Region of Ontario. When Steve was first introduced to FIRST, robotics education barely existed in the area. Through his vision and execution, every elementary school and high school in the school board now has a robotics kit.
Steve constantly pushed 1114 to greater levels, never being satisfied with being merely good, but always striving for perfection. His determination was passed onto every team member, making us stronger people in the process. He was a mentor not only to all our students, but especially to the other mentors. He was always teaching and guiding us, working to make sure we maximized our potential. Personally, he was a role model and a father figure. He gave me countless opportunities, and I know that I would not be the person I am today if not for his influence in my life. I am eternally grateful to have known him. Steve was the recipient of the ChiefDelphi UFH award in 2005 and was an active contributor on these forums. He will be missed not only by the Simbot Family and the teams of the Niagara Region, but by the entire FIRST community For more information, please visit: http://dartefuneralhome.frontrunnerp...5&LinkId=1 03 Rest in peace, Steve. |
Re: Stephen Rourke, 1959-2010, RIP
This is one of my favourite photos of Steve, (to the right of Tom Stephens who is wearing the suit) showing his unbridled joy after we won the 2008 Championship Event.
|
Re: Stephen Rourke, 1959-2010, RIP
My condolences to Stephen's family and friends, team 1114, and the Niagara Region FIRST teams.
|
Re: Stephen Rourke, 1959-2010, RIP
My condolences go out to Stephen's family and friends and to the Simbots and the Niagara FIRST family, he was a true role model, he will be greatly missed in FIRST
|
Re: Stephen Rourke, 1959-2010, RIP
Wow, I don't even know what to say... I got to meet Steve on a number of occasions and this is a major loss. What a great man who did great things. 1114, my heart goes out to all of you tonight.
|
Re: Stephen Rourke, 1959-2010, RIP
:(
I met Steve for the first time in Atlanta, 2007 and had already known what a difference maker he was at that time. Karthik and I were serving on the FVC GDC together and I remember Karthik being really excited to introduce Steve and I. It was field side on DaVinci and I remember it like it was yesterday. I knew right then that I had just met one of the real giant difference-makers in FIRST and his humble and friendly style is something we all could learn from. Steve Rourke made a strong impression with me in the few minutes I had to interact with him on two total occasions in my life. It's certainly a sad day for me, and I can't imagine how hard this must be for all in his family and the Niagara FIRST and GM FIRST families. Best wishes to all who knew Steve in this most difficult of times. |
Re: Stephen Rourke, 1959-2010, RIP
:(
The day I met Mr. Rourke, I knew I met someone special. He was the biggest pushing factor behind the entire NiagaraFIRST organization, and each and every team that came out of it, from FLL to FRC. Every student that came out of this program had this opportunity because of his efforts and his mentorship. He is the reason why I am the person I am today. Without him, I would never have heard of FIRST or it's ideals. I will never forget that. I had the pleasure of presenting Mr. Rourke with a "Thank You" award last year. I remember the look in his eyes as clear as day; It was sincere, loving, passionate and caring. He did some amazing things for me, my teammates, and everything he came into contact with. My heart goes out to the Rourke family, and everyone else that had the pleasure to meet him. He was truly someone special. Rest in peace Steve. -Nick |
Re: Stephen Rourke, 1959-2010, RIP
Team 1241 sends their condolences to Stephen's family and friends and to 1114 and all the Niagara Region Teams who were affected by this tragic loss. Rest in Peace.
|
Re: Stephen Rourke, 1959-2010, RIP
Steve was a good friend and mentor to me.
I was shocked by the new of his passing, and deeply saddened by this incredible loss. I value so much the talks we've had over the years and can't bear to think that these are over... I'm at a total blank for words. I owe Steve so much. We ALL owe Steve so much. |
Re: Stephen Rourke, 1959-2010, RIP
Condolences and prayers from all the Novaks - so sorry.
|
Re: Stephen Rourke, 1959-2010, RIP
This is a tremendous loss, my heart goes out to all his family.
|
Re: Stephen Rourke, 1959-2010, RIP
I can't believe the feeling of emptiness in my heart. I only met Steve a couple times, but in those couple times I could see what a great person his was. What he did for FIRST community is immeasurable. I can't put into words what an inspiration he was to all of us, and you didn’t have to have met him to feel it. Very sad.
|
Re: Stephen Rourke, 1959-2010, RIP
On behalf of 2079, I send out my condolences to Mr. Rourke's family and all of those affected by his loss.
Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Rourke, I have heard of what a wonderful man he was and of his tremendous impact on Niagra FIRST and FIRST in general. RIP |
Re: Stephen Rourke, 1959-2010, RIP
MOE 365 has Stephen, his family, and the 1114 family in our thoughts and prayers.
|
Re: Stephen Rourke, 1959-2010, RIP
Karthik,
Please send along our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and all the great people in Niagara First. He will be sorely missed. |
Re: Stephen Rourke, 1959-2010, RIP
What heartbreaking news to hear this morning. I was a classmate and friend of Steve's at GMI (Kettering) and remember him as hardworking as well as a lot of fun to be around!
My deep sympathies to his family and friends. There goes another good one. |
Re: Stephen Rourke, 1959-2010, RIP
I am terribly sorry to hear that 1114 and the FIRST community have lost a valuable mentor. My sincere condolences to Stephen Rourke, his family, and everyone else who has been deeply affected by this loss.
|
Re: Stephen Rourke, 1959-2010, RIP
This is a great loss to the FIRST family. The Skunkworks family sends its condolences to Stephen's team and to everyone else who feels this huge loss.
what we do in life echoes in eternity.... |
Re: Stephen Rourke, 1959-2010, RIP
A terrible loss for all of FIRST. Team 11 and myself offer our greatest sympathies to you Karthik, 1114, and the rest of the NiagraFIRST family.
. |
Re: Stephen Rourke, 1959-2010, RIP
It was with great sadness that we heard about Steve’s passing this morning. From all of us on 2056 we wish to pass on our deepest sympathy to Steve’s family and all of Niagara FIRST. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. He will be missed.
|
Re: Stephen Rourke, 1959-2010, RIP
Karthik please pass along our deep regrets in Stephen's passing. While we don't know him first hand I expect across the year to learn more of him and the shaping he did of his teams. We don't often celebrate great mentors when they are alive. The huge celebration later reminds all of us of the mission we are on and how others have made huge goals for us to strive for.
My condolences to the family, you will miss him, but to know that others will miss him greatly will bring the warmth to you that many,many loved him. With the condolences of team 1640, |
Re: Stephen Rourke, 1959-2010, RIP
Team 1023 is deeply saddened by this news. We sends our condolences to his family and friends, Team 1114, and anyone else affected by his love of FIRST and who will be missing him greatly. Thank you for being such a great FIRST role model and for everything you did for this program. You will be missed.
|
Re: Stephen Rourke, 1959-2010, RIP
FIRST has lost a great supporter. Stephen had such passion for the program. If you met him you were touched. Please pass on my sincere regret and prayers to the family and the teams that he had such a great influence on. Stephen may have passed on but his legacy in FIRST will continue for many more years.
|
Re: Stephen Rourke, 1959-2010, RIP
I attended Steve's funeral today. The outpouring of support from the FIRST community in Ontario was overwhelming. Steve's family was very moved to see that so many people in FIRST respected, looked up to and loved Steve.
On my way home I was thinking about the impact that Steve had on people. He was known for being an amazing judge of character and talent. Consider this piece of trivia for example. Six people that Steve hired to work at GM St. Catharines went on to win WFFAs with four different teams. Myself (2005, 1114), Derek Bessette (2007, 1114), Ian Mackenzie (2008, 1114), Tristan Lall (2009, 2505), Pat Fairbank (2010, 1503), Tyler Holtzman (2010, 2056). Now some of these people worked much closer with Steve than others, nevertheless it's another amazing facet of the legacy of man who did so much for FIRST. --- Being at the funeral today made me realize something very important that I wanted to share. Throughout our lives and especially in this program we meet a multitude of people who leave indelible marks on us. I'm sure everyone who's reading this post can think of at least five people they've met who have profoundly impacted their lives, whether it be friends, family or mentors. When it comes to these people, please heed my following advice; Let them know how important they are to you. Express your feelings to them and thank them for the impact that they've made. Even if you assume that they already know, it's worth it to tell them. Life can be painfully short and you never know how things could change in an instant. It never hurts to say thank you. |
Re: Stephen Rourke, 1959-2010, RIP
I did not have the honor to know Stephen, but from the words above I believe he was an incredible person and role model for us all.
Condolences from my family and all of Cyber Blue. |
Re: Stephen Rourke, 1959-2010, RIP
Here's an article that appeared in today's St. Catharines Standard about Steve's legacy.
http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/A...aspx?e=2886913 |
Re: Stephen Rourke, 1959-2010, RIP
Nice article. Thanks for sharing it. I will pass it on to people I know in GM that knew Steve. He was a great guy.
|
Re: Stephen Rourke, 1959-2010, RIP
On behalf of all of team MOE 365, we recognize a true leader of the FIRST community in Stephen. His families (FIRST and non-FIRST) are in our hearts and minds at this time of loss.
|
Re: Stephen Rourke, 1959-2010, RIP
Condolences to Steve's family and to his FIRST family. May he continue to be an inspiration to us all!
|
| All times are GMT -5. The time now is 13:31. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.6.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2017, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright © Chief Delphi