Former Madera Mayor Patrick O¹Rourke Dies at 72

Madera - Former Madera Mayor Patrick Michael O¹Rourke died Sunday in Fresno after a long battle with cancer. He was 72. Born Jan. 22, 1939 to Donald and Alice O¹Rourke of Toledo, Ohio, he attended Gesu Elementary and University of Detroit High School in Michigan until his enlistment in 1956. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, where he trained as an aerial photogrammetrist and served as a photographer¹s mate third class. He was stationed with the Heavy Photographic Squadron #61 in Guam and at the Naval Intelligence School in Coronado.

Following his discharge in 1959, he went to work as a news photographer for The Modesto Bee. In 1965, he earned his pilot¹s license and enjoyed flying home to Detroit to visit his parents and siblings. He married the former Mary Hammett of Modesto November 26, 1966. She taught mathematics at Madera High School. They got married in Modesto, had a (weekend) honeymoon in Merced and he started at The (Madera) Tribune on Monday, said his daughter, Anne O'Rourke-Padron.

During his years at The Madera Tribune, O'Rourke won numerous prizes from valley and state photographers associations and The Associated Press. His photos graced the covers of the local telephone directory as well as 11 years' worth of special sections, bridal albums and Madera District Fair editions. He worked for The Madera Tribune until 1977. He went to work at the Madera Irrigation District in the maintenance department in October 1977. He was promoted to ditchtender 1 in 1978, ditchtender 2 in 1980, worked as custodian groundskeeper in 1981, as field services technician in 1986, administrative services technician in 1988 and coordinator of field services in 1991. He retired from MID in 1998.

A civic-minded individual, O'Rourke served on the Madera City Council from December 1986 to December of 1994, including a term as mayor in 1990. He was elected president of the South San Joaquin Valley League of California Cities in 1988, the second Madera City Councilman to hold this position. In an article published in the Tribune, O'Rourke credited economic advances in Madera and the use of successful strategies he and Councilman Alan Brown learned from other valley league members. In the mid to late 80's Pat was a driving force for local economic growth and behind the creation of the Madera Redevelopment Agency. He served as one of its first chairman, said RDA executive director Jim Taubert. He was a big booster for the redevelopment of the southeast side of the city. His passion for Madera was unbelievable, Taubert said. He was instrumental in bringing Gottschalks (distribution center), Florestone and Georgia Pacific to Madera.

He knew what the town needed and helped establish the priorities for redevelopment expenditures. He was a darn good human being, Taubert said. Taubert recalled with fondness games of Pinochle that he, O'Rourke and other old guys shared. During his years on the council he served on the planning commission, as LAFCO board chairman, on the Local Transportation Commission, Assembly Bill 971 High-Speed Rail Committee, and as the Housing Authority chairman. After serving the citizens of Madera, O'Rourke made an unsuccessful bid for the California State Assembly in 1996. In 1999 he used his considerable knowledge and talent to teach photography classes at both the Madera and Clovis Community College Centers.

He had a passion for history, especially the Civil War. He created a persona of Col. Patrick O'Rourke of the Union Army as a tribute to his namesake ancestor. Research and his attention to detail led him to assemble a historically accurate full-dress uniform. He enjoyed sharing the information about his ancestor and the battles he fought. He appeared in is Col. O'Rourke regalia at scouting events and Civil War reenactments.

He is survived by three children, Chris O¹Rourke of Madera, Michael and wife Ferena O'Rourke of Clovis, daughter Anne Padron-O¹Rourke of Bonadelle Ranchos, two grandsons, two granddaughters of Clovis, brother Donald O¹Rourke, sister Kathleen and husband Chris Vaughn, all of Michigan, sisters-in-law Patricia Dunn of Davis and Susan Hammett of Modesto.

In keeping with his wishes, there will be no service and he will be laid to rest next to his late wife in Modesto.

Remembrances may be made in his name to The Madera County Historical Society, P.O. Box 150, Madera, CA 93639 or Madera County Arts Council Circle Gallery, 1653 N. Schnoor Ave. #113, Madera, CA 93637.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.jaychapel.com