Thomas Howard O’Rourke

Thomas Howard O’Rourke, 83, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, was born on April 26, 1942, and passed away on July 8, 2025. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Eve “Lynne” O’Rourke (née Castor); his children, Kevin (Katherine) O’Rourke and Colleen O’Rourke; his grandchildren, Evan Jasinski, Emilia Jasinski, and Oliver O’Rourke; and his future granddaughter-in-law, Bianca Brockman.

He is also survived by his siblings, Pat (Bob) Franzak, Dennis (Laurie) O’Rourke, Jim O’Rourke, and Rick (Susan) O’Rourke; brother-in-law, Casey Sharpe; sister-in-law, Pam Castor; numerous nieces and nephews; many grandnieces and grandnephews; and countless dear friends.

In his youth, Tom (a.k.a. T.O., Bapa, Tomas) lived in the Garfield Park neighborhood, spent many summers at the pool, frequented the many theaters that his family owned and operated, and enjoyed tours of Reeds Lake on the SS Ramona Steamboat, which his grandfather was the captain of. Tom participated in the Boy Scouts for several years and attended Catholic Central High School, from which he graduated in 1960.

He then joined the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and served from 1960 to 1964. While assigned to the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, he traveled all over Asia, including numerous road patrols in the jungles, villages, and forests of Vietnam and the Mekong River areas, Okinawa, and Thailand, and he flew 21 helicopter missions (and one crash). When he came back to the US, he was based in Las Vegas, and that’s where his interest in photography grew. He had top-secret clearance and was assigned to …….. well, we cannot disclose this information.

After being discharged from the USMC, he returned to Grand Rapids and began working in the mailroom at WOOD–TV 8. He worked his way up to Chief Photographer and held that position for 17 years. In 1972, with a delegation of House members and then-House Minority Leader Gerald Ford, Tom was among the few news crews to enter China since the Communist rule was established in 1949.

This was a historic trip, and Gerald Ford became a lifelong friend, and they exchanged correspondence throughout the years. At WOOD–TV 8, he had incredible coworkers and filmed many amazing stories. This career launched his obsession with news, and he declared himself a “news junkie” for life. His favorite catchphrase was “Why let the facts get in the way of a great story?” and he carved that phrase into the flagpole on the moon.

One of his favorite coworkers introduced him to the love of his life, Lynne, who became his wife in 1967. In 1968, they welcomed their son, Kevin, and in 1969, their daughter, Colleen. During the 70s and 80s, he volunteered with the Festival of the Arts and helped create the photography exhibition, which later was incorporated into the Regional Arts Exhibition. He was an active participant in CGCG, which sponsored many adventurous outings and parties (IYKYK).

In the mid–80s, he started his own company, O’Rourke Videographic Production Services. He collaborated with incredibly talented people in and around Grand Rapids and traveled around the world to film whatever his clients desired, ensuring they were never left disappointed. This successful business allowed Tom and Lynne to travel for pleasure in the US and abroad, their favorites being Ireland, France, Mexico, Switzerland, and Germany.

Tom enjoyed reading the Grand Rapids Press, as well as both trashy tabloids and non-trashy biographies. He loved Elvis’s music and enjoyed watching movies, often criticizing aspects like editing, lighting, and inconsistencies—though he had “no notes” for “The Godfather.” His taste in films leaned toward comedies; the dumber, the better. He was a big fan of comedians, particularly Steve Martin, and he even had the chance to see him perform live. Tom loved riding roller coasters at Cedar Point, sharing bad jokes, drinking Grand Marnier, and attending parties.

He was passionate about playing poker and grilling outdoors. He cherished sitting on the deck of his home, admiring their beautiful backyard, as well as relaxing on the cottage deck by the lake. He enjoyed sunset cruises on his pontoon boat and loved riding his wave runner and fishing. Tom had a penchant for wearing plaid shirts and baseball caps.

Most importantly, he took great joy in caring for the people he loved. He loved deeply and was deeply loved in return.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1935 Plymouth Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49506, with visitation one hour prior. Fr. Troy Nevins presiding.

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to honor Tom by donating to Clark Foundation. Tom held a special connection with the beauty of the outdoors and particularly enjoyed the Rose Garden at Clark Retirement at Franklin, where we spent his final days. To celebrate this cherished connection, the family plans to create a meaningful and lasting tribute: planting a rose bush in the Rose Garden. Please consider a donation to the Clark Foundation—gifts can be made online at clarkretirement.org/clark-foundation or mailed to 1551 M.L.K. Jr St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506.