Obituary of Byron Rourke

ROURKE, Byron. It is with great sadness that we share the loss of Byron, our loving husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather who died peacefully on August 10, 2011, at the age of 72. Loving husband of Carolyne (nee Walling) with whom he shared 47 years of marriage. Beloved father to Phil, Sean, Damon and Bernie; father-in-law to Heather, Kathy, Jacinthe and Nicole; and grandfather to Serena, Sarah, Siobhan, Aedan, Brendan, Claude, Vincent, Charlie, and Maddie. Widely regarded as one of North America"s pre-eminent child-clinical neuropsychologists, Byron was Professor of Psychology and University Professor at the University of Windsor from 1965 until his retirement in 2004. Through his pioneering research, teaching, mentoring and countless other contributions to the university and the Department of Neuropsychology at the Regional Children"s Centre at Windsor Western Hospital, Byron helped to improve the lives of thousands of children in Windsor and around the world dealing with learning disabilities. Byron received many prestigious awards, including membership as a Fellow in the Royal Society of Canada (1997) and investiture into the Order of Canada (2010). He loved life to its fullest and was passionate about philosophy, photography, travel and music, and a tireless advocate for the Windsor community and a more peaceful world. A memorial visitation will be held at the Windsor Chapel Funeral Homes at 1700 Tecumseh Rd. E. On Friday, August 12, 2011, from 3-5pm and 7-9pm. A memorial mass celebrating Byron"s life will take place at Our Lady of Assumption Parish (350 Huron Church Rd at University Ave. W.) at 10am on Saturday, August 13th. Those wishing to make a donation can support the Byron P. Rourke Bursary in Clinical Neuropsychology at the University of Windsor. On-line condolences may be left at www.windsorchapel.com