John Edward Rorke

John Edward Rorke 12/30/1947-5/05/2025

Skiing and the mountains were a constant thread running through John’s life. It is only fitting that the ski season was over and the mountain closed when he made his unexpected departure from his life on May 5th.

Born to Josephine and Edward Rorke in 1947, John grew up in Yakima, Washington attending St. Paul’s Catholic School, Central Catholic and graduating from A.C. Davis High School in 1966.

Working a variety of jobs, John received his AA degree from Yakima Valley Community College, the beginning of his route to a teaching degree from Central WA State University, and finally a Masters of Education Administration from the University of Idaho.

John met Marlene in 1974 as the 3rd base coach of her softball team. He gave her multiple rides home from games and introduced her to his daughter Thea, and son Sean as the relationship grew. After repeated proposals on the White Pass chairlift, Marlene finally agreed to marry him, welcoming her ready-made family.

Naches School District was John’s first teaching job, along with coaching track and football. Still passionate about the mountains, he and Marlene took jobs and skied in Jackson Hole, Wyoming before heading north to Sandpoint, Idaho. From Idaho Hill Elementary, Kootenai Elementary to Northside Elementary, where for 23 years (17 as principal), he supported and directed his students with empathy and a firm stand on the importance of rules.

John was the favorite uncle and grandpa. He always had a good joke and story to tell. His 3rd grade jokes were always fun and at times he would bring potentially inappropriate gifts, like squirt guns, to a family gathering at a restaurant. John was a champion of the underdog and drew children to him with his sense of humor and insistence of fair play. Retirement came and offered time to travel and more time in the mountains, as John continued to ski and enjoy outdoor recreation at every opportunity.

A few months shy of 50 years of marriage, John leaves his wife Marlene Rorke, daughter Thea Sanderson (Brian), son Sean Rorke (Heather) and five grandchildren: Madison Sanderson, Holden Sanderson, Gabriella Rorke, Nicholas Rorke and Addison Rorke. He was preceded in death by his two sisters, Roberta Rorke, Sister of Providence and Dr. Joan Rorke McClure.

Donations in John’s memory would be welcome at P.A.F.E. (Panhandle Alliance for Education). Please raise a can of Coldsmoke in celebration of John’s life. A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, June 21st (3-6 pm), at the Marigold Bistro, 414 Church Street, Sandpoint, ID.