Robert John Bourke
April 3rd, 2019
Robert John Bourke
April 29, 1949 – April 3, 2019
It is with deep sorrow that the family announces the passing of Bob Bourke. Bob went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 3, 2019 at the age of 69 in Fort Macleod, Alberta. He was born in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan to Reverend Robert and Naomi Bourke. He was the eldest of his late sister Pat (Don) Fast and survived by his youngest sister Robin (Jeff) Schatz. Bob lived in Granum, Alberta for the last 42 years where he was an active part of the community. He can be fondly remembered as a counsel member of Granum for many years, the founding president of the Granum golf course, and the man who built the train that used to go around the Granum pond. Bob was a loving husband to Heather Bourke. They met in high school and quickly fell in love. They got married in 1970 and started a family. After some time apart, they reconnected and were married once again on November 11, 2012. They enjoyed their golden years together watching Oilers games, going on picnics with their grandchildren, and hosting family holidays at the “Hacienda” that he built himself.
He was a caring father and grandfather to Bob (Krista) Bourke Jr. (Brandon and Tyler), Leigh (Travis) Park (Sami (Shawn) Jones and Josh), Erin (partner – Henry) Bourke-Henderson (Carter, Dylan, Keaira and Elsi – children of Collin Henderson), Brett (Samantha) Bourke (Brooklyn and Boston), and Tessa Bourke (daughter of Dawn Wood). Bob was a talented and creative mechanic, mentoring many of his employees at Challenger Equipment to become apprentices. He was always proud of their work. He was a knowledgeable and active citizen, cubs leader, baseball and volleyball coach, the star of his very own TV show “Mechanic at Large,” and jack of all trades. His favourite things to do were golf, fish, camp and boat with family and friends. He will be loved and remembered for his storytelling, various contraptions he would build for the family, campfire singalongs, and leadership. Bob felt very grateful to be welcomed back into the church family in the last part of his life. He enjoyed sharing his story about how he was the Prodigal son that had returned. His family finds comfort knowing that he is now walking with his sister and parents in heaven.
The Memorial Service will be held at the Faith Community Baptist Church - 4404 3 St W, Claresholm - on Saturday, April 13, 2019 at 4:00 pm (there will be limited seating at the church), with a stand-up reception of coffee and squares immediately following. There will be a program at the Claresholm Legion - 414 53 Ave E - at 6:00 pm to Celebrate Bob’s Life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the House 1 Community Support Beds at the Fort Macleod Hospital, Box 520, Fort MacLeod, AB T0L 0Z0.
Heather and her family would like to send heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nurses at the Jack Ady Cancer Centre in Lethbridge, and to Dr. Jeff Jones and nurses in Claresholm. As well as a very special thank you to Dr. Steven Beekman and all of the nurses, aids and the homecare team at the CSB. All of these caring individuals made an extremely hard journey lighter.
Messages:
Bob is who attracted us to our place we call home. He was a fascinating man to chat with and our encounters will be dearly missed. Plus, he had a great taste in hockey teams! Proud to have known you Bob. Our sincere condolences to all your family. You are and will always be missed. Cherish the memories.
Heather and family. So sorry to hear of your loss. We have good memories of time spent together in Granum. Our deepest sympathy to you.
Heather and Family; As we walk through life we leave people with memories. Bob certainly succeeded in doing that. I reflect back on our times together playing baseball, planning and working on Granview park and the Golf course. It was a pleasure to have known Bob. You have our deepest sympathy. Gail and Linda
I have many memories of working in the club house after men’s league, at Granum listening to Bob and the guys swap stories, so much laughter and fun. John enjoyed Bobs stories as well as valued his expertise and the help he was always willing to offer. Bobs kindness and caring will always be remembered. My deepest sympathies, Connie Barnes
I will miss you dad. I am thankful for the things you taught me. I am especially happy to know that you are walking up in heaven with Grandma and Grandad and Auntie Pat. Psalm 56:13 For you have delivered me from death; you have kept my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.
Heartfelt condolences on the loss of such a vibrant man! I'm saddened for your loss, take care ~ melva stinson
Extending sympathy for your loss, Heather & family. We have been here just 2 yrs longer than Bob's time in Granum, so have been well aware of his many accomplishments over the years. He was an intelligent and gifted man. Some of our children enjoyed times together when they were younger. I know that Bob will be missed by many, and I wish you well. Ferne W.wcfbng
Our deepest condolences, we are so glad Bob found his way back to God. I always enjoyed his company, witt and overflowing personailty, we will see him again ...
I have great memories of Bob from when I hung out in Granum. He was a great story teller and always made me laugh. He will be missed. Deepest sympathies to all at this difficult time. ♥️
Bob was a big part of our “theJohnson’s “ lives in Granum. We spent many memorable hours together. (road trips, singing to the Eagles laughing a lot plus too many to write) . Never a dull moment with Bob. Praying peace and comfort into the hearts of family and friends who loved Bob dearly. We share in your sorrow and rejoice that Bob is with Jesus.
So very sorry for your loss to the Bourke families. Wishing you happy memories and good thoughts while remembering Bob. Love to you all.
So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. It's been a few years, but we always had a great time at the family reunions. Our hearts go out to Heather and Robin and the rest of the family. It's so good to know that we have the Lord's promise that we will meet again "over on the other side." Cousin Brian
Sincere condolences to the family
He was an amazing person, and will be greatly missed
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time
I am very sorry for your loss. I know you have wonderful memories that will help you through this hard time,
Heather and family, We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Bob. He was a wonderful man and so positive right to the end. We pray that you can find comfort in knowing that he is with the Lord and whole once again. We also pray that you will find comfort in the support and love of your family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Blessings