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 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.
Bob was a proud father to Bob (Krista) Bourke Jr., Leigh (Travis) Park, Erin Bourke-Henderson, Brett (Samantha) Bourke, and Tessa Wood (daughter of Dawn Wood). He was a caring grandfather to 10 grandchildren; Sami (Shawn) Jones, Josh Park, Brandon Bourke, Tyler Bourke, Carter Henderson, Dylan Henderson, Keaira Henderson, Elsi Henderson, Brooklyn Bourke, and Boston Bourke. 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 funeral will be held at the Faith Community Baptist Church in Claresholm, 4404 3rd Street SW, Claresholm, AB on April 13, 2019 at 4:00pm, with a stand-up reception of coffee and squares immediately following. There will be a program at the Claresholm Legion at 6:00pm to celebrate Bob’s life. Due to limited space at services, there will be an additional Celebration of Life on April 29 in Fort Macleod to commemorate Bob’s 70thbirthday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the House 1 Community Support Beds at the Fort Macleod Hospital, 744 26th Street South, 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.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Robert John Bourke April 3rd 2019..
Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services
Décès pour la Ville: Airdrie, Province: Alberta