Benson "Lanny" Langford ROURKE

With great sadness we announce the passing of our beloved father, Lanny Rourke, at the age of 78.

It is so difficult to try and express the sadness we feel at the loss of our dad.  This small summation of his life cannot come close to allowing us to write all the things depicting the life of this wonderful person, our dad, or as his grandchildren affectionately called him, “papa”.

Dad was born in Glenwood, Manitoba to parents Benson and Vera Rourke.  Dad and his brother Les and sisters Pat and Joan grew up in Castlegar, BC.  There in high school, he met our beautiful mother Patricia Morey.  Our parents got married in August 1965 and moved to Cloverdale, BC.  There dad worked for the District of Surrey.  Our parents started a family and had three children, Debra, Dan and Dale.

In January 1975, our family moved to Cranbrook, where dad worked at Crestbrook Forest Industries as a computer programmer until his retirement.

Dad loved the Kootenays.  He was the happiest when he was in nature, whether fishing at a creek, hunting in the forest or just searching for a new favorite hunting spot, that is when he was at peace.

Lanny was a precious father to his three children, Debra, Dan and Dale, their spouses and beloved children Madison, Levi, Chloe, Emma, Olivia and Samuel.  His presence will be missed in our lives.  He will also be deeply missed by his surviving siblings Les and Joan. 

As per dad’s request, no service will be held.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Benson "Lanny" Langford ROURKE, please visit our floral store.