O’Rourke’s memory will live on at Rose Parade

Published 11:42 am Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Jeffrey O’Rourke felt it was important to teach his children to help others, inspire them to be upstanding citizens.

The Bothell resident contributed to charities, was involved with his church and etched his mark on life each day, said his widow Lissa Chan, who labels him a “hero.”

O’Rourke died of a brain hemorrhage Aug. 19, 2010, leaving behind Chan and their two children.

On Jan. 2, a floragraph — a portrait made of floral and natural materials — of organ-donor O’Rourke will be featured on the Donate Life float entry in the 123rd Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif. This was made possible by Purdy & Walters at Floral Hills in Lynnwood and Dignity Memorial providers in the Seattle area.

“I’m honored that the funeral home selected us,” Chan said. “It’s very emotional for me — and the kids, they are doing better than I expected.

“It’s difficult, but because he always chose to make a difference in other people’s lives, this is how me and my kids can move on.”

The Donate Life Rose Parade Committee shipped O’Rourke’s floragraph to Purdy & Walters at Floral Hills Dec. 10 so that his family could participate in the decorating experience and put the final touches on it. Chan and her children, Jered and Jalin, participated in the event.

Chan said the event was a nice way for the family to remember O’Rourke and share his life with others.

“We are honored to be able to commemorate Jeffrey’s life and the choice that he and his family made to help those in need,” said Arne Swanson, marketing director of Dignity Memorial in the Seattle area. “Working in the funeral industry, we value the significance of memorializing loved ones and we are proud to have the opportunity to pay tribute to Jeffrey and his giving spirit.”

The “One More Day” float features a colorful clock tower and clocks from around the world. The clocks will tower high above 28 riders who are comprised of living donors and donor family members from across the U.S. Adorning the clocks in the hour positions will be 72 floragraphs of deceased donors. In addition, donors across the country are memorialized in a garden of dedicated roses, with each rose vial carrying a personal message of love, hope and remembrance.

Chan and her children — ages 12 and 15 — will attend the Rose Parade and treat it as a mini-vacation, but also “a celebration and let them see the other families and meet the other children” of the deceased donors, Chan said.

“It will be a time to heal,” said Chan, who added that Purdy & Walters has provided the family support just like O’Rourke did for others. “I’m looking forward to it. I know that it will be sad, but I’m hoping joy will (overcome) the sadness.”