Obituary of Floyd Orin ROURKE

December 9, 1923 – October 24, 2011 We are sad to announce that Floyd Rourke passed on October 24, 2011 at the age of 87 years. Born December 9, 1923 in the Elkhorn District west of Ponoka, Floyd grew up in that farming community before enlisting in 1941 to serve with the Canadian Armed Forces in northern Europe as a very young man. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his role in battle there. Floyd re-enlisted with the Canadian Armed Forces again in 1951 and was deployed with special services in Korea. He served with the Calgary Highlanders until 1966. Floyd was a loyal supporter of the Calgary Highlanders and was a familiar and much loved volunteer at the Museum of Regiments. He was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #285 and a member of the Church of the Good Shepherd for many years. He was an enthusiastic supporter of many groups and a dancer with the Calgary Square Dance Association. Floyd’s great love was dancing and it was a recent event at the Calgary Danish Canadian Club where he and Jytte enjoyed their last dance together. Many will miss his sense of humour, warmth, dedication and faith. He was an ordinary man who lived through some extraordinary times. Floyd will be missed by his children, Timothy Rourke, Karen Welch, and Brenda Burwash; six grandchildren, Nina Van Staden, Bradon Brisbourne, Kristie Malone, and James, Joseph, and Hester Welch; two great-grandchildren, Reece and Leah Van Staden; and his sister Millie Nufer. He will also be missed by many nieces and nephews and his constant and devoted companion Jytte Anderson who shared many happy days with him in his later years. Floyd was predeceased by his parents Samson Orin Rourke and Hester Mary Samantha Rourke (nee Remington) and his uncle William Charles Rourke. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Friday, October 28, 2011 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at Mewata Armoury, (801 – 11th Street SW) on Saturday, October 29, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. Graveside Services will be held in the Field of Honour at Fairview Cemetery (Lacombe, AB) at 3:00 p.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Poppy Fund, #1, 4539 – 6th Street N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 3Z6, Telephone: (403) 265-6304. In living memory of Floyd Rourke, a tree will be planted at Big Hill Springs Park Cochrane by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296.