We remember Tom O'RourkeWe remember Tom O'Rourke as a relaxed and very engaging guy, who loved to be irreverent and mischievous as we tried, futilely, to play match-maker. Tom would visit New York, in the Spring and in the Fall, to immerse himself once again in the teachings of Teilhard de Chardin and Thomas Berry; on these occasions, he would usually stay overnight with us in Rye, to the delight of the pretty wives of two of our more conservative friends, who thirsted for Tom's liberal wisdom as an antidote to their husbands' far-right preaching. The highlight of some such visits was a "state dinner," at which we would place Tom at the head of our table, flanked by the grateful women, who would listen raptly as Tom expounded on the Universe Story or denounced militarism. Tom looked forward to Annie's baking (his sister Cass tells us that towards the end, he ate little but her oatmeal-raisin cookies) and cooking, though he would sometimes mock her. When Annie once offered to expertly prepare a Chinese lo mein dinner for Tom, he quipped: "I don't like that kind of food, even when it's cooked right!" Or upon quickly finishing an excellent bourbon sour, Tom would return his glass to Annie, commenting: "Another fruit juice, please!" When Tom would accompany us to our high-level square dances, he would marvel at the great dexterity of the callers, as they manipulated their multi-input microphones, and amuse us by referring to our over-weight friends as "those dancing porkers." We will greatly miss our regular twice-a-year reunions (with Irene, Larry, Pat, Ed, and Davey) at the Jersey shore, when Tom would diligently remove the salt from each pretzel (and, in years past, skillfully tap his cigarette against the face of his watch) as we remembered old times, sang favorite songs, and discussed politics and philosophy (especially Thomas Merton) deep into the night. Tom brought great joy and much happiness into our lives. There will never be another like him. Peace, brother. Anne and Mike McCormick |