1954
Peter
2009
Peter Willard O'Rourke
December 18, 1954 — May 11, 2009
Pete passed unexpectedly from this life on May 11, 2009. He was born Dec. 18, 1954, in Salina, Kan., to Murray and Will O'Rourke, formerly of Amarillo. Known locally as a talented artist, musician, aka "Hairy Smith," motorcycle enthusiast and mostly as a true friend, Pete saw beauty and opportunity in all he did and everyone he met. His loving spiritual nature helped polish the tarnish off of many halos.
Graduating from Amarillo High School in 1973, Pete went on to a progressive career as a journeyman pipe fitter, construction steel hanger, commercial artist and successful business owner. Pete and his business partner, Robert Johnston of Odin Stone Works, crafted beautiful turn-key and custom architectural elements from various stone compounds.
As a loving husband, Pete is survived by his wife and best friend, Lorna; two sons, Justin and Joel Harmon; a sister, Abbe O'Rourke; two nieces, Lori and Anna Gibbs; a brother, Tim O'Rourke; an uncle, Marvin R. Kilton; two cousins Megan Minarik and Stacy Winker; and, of course, his loyal dog, Brutus.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be to the local food bank, the local SPCA, a youth art program, American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.
A celebration of life service in honor of Pete will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday in the hall at Fort Amarillo RV Resort, 10101 W. Amarillo Blvd. (www.fortrvparks.com) Participants should come prepared to swap stories and laughs about Pete.
Graduating from Amarillo High School in 1973, Pete went on to a progressive career as a journeyman pipe fitter, construction steel hanger, commercial artist and successful business owner. Pete and his business partner, Robert Johnston of Odin Stone Works, crafted beautiful turn-key and custom architectural elements from various stone compounds.
As a loving husband, Pete is survived by his wife and best friend, Lorna; two sons, Justin and Joel Harmon; a sister, Abbe O'Rourke; two nieces, Lori and Anna Gibbs; a brother, Tim O'Rourke; an uncle, Marvin R. Kilton; two cousins Megan Minarik and Stacy Winker; and, of course, his loyal dog, Brutus.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be to the local food bank, the local SPCA, a youth art program, American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.
A celebration of life service in honor of Pete will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday in the hall at Fort Amarillo RV Resort, 10101 W. Amarillo Blvd. (www.fortrvparks.com) Participants should come prepared to swap stories and laughs about Pete.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Peter Willard O'Rourke, please visit our flower store.