William Michael Rorke

Bill has now been reunited with his beautiful and loving wife Kathleen “Kay” (2009). Cherished father of Kelly and her husband Robert Hertel and Kevin and his wife Laurie Rorke. Devoted grandfather of Connor, Keara (David), Brendan (Emily), and Brooke and her husband Kyle. Great-grandfather of Liam and Mila. He will be sadly missed by Laurie’s daughters Kasey and Shalynn. Bill is also survived by his sister in law Flora and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings Lena, Fred, Sam, Eddie, and Ernie; as well as his parents Samuel and Florence Rorke.

Bill was born in Dublin, Ireland and was extremely proud of his Irish roots. As a child he joined the Boys Brigade in his local church. He immigrated to Canada in 1952, eventually settling in St. Catharines where he met his wife, started his family and entrenched himself in the community. He became one of the founding members of the Niagara Wasps Rugby Club, was a member of the Hamilton Hunt Club, a member and Treasurer of the Doric Club, a 70+ year member of the Masonic Order, a Past President of the St Catharines Irish Club, and a member of the St. Catharines Game & Fish Association.

He worked at Thompson Products for a time in the accounting department then became a sales rep with both Standard Brands and W. E. Taylor Ltd, at different times.

Bill loved playing and watching Soccer and Rugby through the years. He was an avid fisherman and loved riding horses. He had a vested interest in gold, silver, antiques, and clocks; and was always looking for a good deal. Bill was very social and outgoing with a unique sense of humour; and touched every person he met. His legacy will far surpass his time here on earth.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at Hulse & English Funeral Home & Chapel, 75 Church St. St. Catharines from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel at the funeral home on Friday, December 8, 2023 at 1 pm. Cremation to follow. If desired, memorial donations made to The Walker Family Cancer Centre or the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family. Online tributes and condolences may be made at www.hulseandenglish.com.

“The older the fiddle, the sweeter the tune. There is many a good tune played on an old fiddle.”