Ronald James Rourk, 67 of Richland, WA passed away peacefully with his family by his side on February 25, 2016. Ron was born on February 21, 1949 in Denver, CO to Clemmie Corbet Rourk and Consuelo Burnedette Gruben. He grew up in Waynesville, MO and spent his teenage years in San Francisco, CA. He graduated in 1967 from Lowell High School, a nationally distinguished public magnet school. He attended San Francisco Community College and University of California Berkeley. He started his career in engineering with Bechtel and met his wife, Diane the same week. Ron and Diane were married over 41 years and had three children. His career took the family to many places. He was particularly proud of his work on the Titan IV CCAFS Launch Complex 40 in Cape Canaveral, Florida in 1991. The family settled in Richland in 1992 where he worked on several different Hanford projects for Bechtel, Fluor, and other contractors. Ron was active in many groups over the years starting with the Freemasons Lodge in the Bay Area. In the Tri-Cities, he joined the Knights of Columbus and achieved Fourth Degree Knight. He was deeply committed to the fellowship and frequently made time to volunteer. He was also an active member with the Parish of the Holy Spirit in Kennewick, where he was involved with Couples for Christ and regularly served as Lector and Eucharistic Minister. Ron was very personable with a head-shaking sense of humor. You didn't have to know him long to know what he did, where he was from and who his family was. Ron always had a strong interest in cars and motorcycles and was always researching the next vehicle purchase! He joined the local BMW Free Riders Club, later serving as their president. He always enjoyed the open road, whether it was in his car or on his motorcycle. Ron was committed to spending time with his family and friends. He maintained a number of life-long friendships; many that are considered family. He will be deeply missed. He is preceded in death by his parents and his son, Sean Phillip. He is survived by his wife Diane and children Celina (Ethan) Bishop, Patrick Rourk (Jessica Mullins), and Natalie (Trevor) Fehrenbacher; grandchildren Olen, Eleanora and Claire; siblings Karen Rourk, Clemmie Rourk II, and Meryl Black; and many other extended family members and friends. Services will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2016 @ 11:00 am at Parish of the Holy Spirit in Kennewick. A gracious thank you goes to all the doctors, nurses and caregivers who assisted Ron and his family on this journey. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Chaplaincy's Hospice House.