Remembering Terry O'Rourke
It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Terry O’Rourke.
Values are meant to be lived and practiced every day, in every interaction. Terry O’Rourke led with compassion, courage, curiosity and collaboration, living out the values of Spectrum Health for decades. We are grateful for his tremendous contributions to our system and community and extend our deepest sympathies to his wife, Maureen, and his family, with his passing Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020.
Terry became the president of Blodgett Memorial Medical Center after moving back to his hometown of Grand Rapids in 1984. He revitalized Blodgett Memorial Medical Center in East Grand Rapids. Under Terry’s leadership, Blodgett quickly emerged financially strong and was recognized for superior, quality care, winning many national awards.
He was instrumental in merging West Michigan’s two biggest and best hospitals—Blodgett and Butterworth, and he served as Spectrum Health’s first president and CEO. Throughout a time of change and uncertainty, Terry showed calm and consistency in both his messages and behavior. His curiosity and the value he placed on collaboration led him to ask the tough questions and ensure that the right people were around the table for the big decisions. He had genuine compassion for his patients and cared deeply for the health and well-being of all those who lived in our West Michigan community.
I had the pleasure of knowing and learning from Terry over the years. He led with a wonderful blend of personal integrity, composure, humor and strong West Michigan work ethic and no-nonsense approach. In addition to his role in creating Spectrum Health, Terry’s accomplishments include integrations with Reed City Hospital, Kent Community Hospital and Ferguson Hospital, and partnerships with Ionia County Health System and Hackley Health. He also enjoyed a successful career as a consultant after his time at Spectrum Health.
Terry’s many years of leadership and friendship to Spectrum Health and our community will continue to inspire us. Please join me in sharing your memory of Terry.
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Senior Healthcare Executive - Strategic Planning & Execution | Forward-Thinking Leadership | Practice Transformation | Product Development & Management
3 年A thoughtful leader who lead bringing the new organization together.
Mary Free Bed Guild, Mary Free Bed Fund Board of Directors
3 年I am filled with sadness. What an incredible loss. Terry shared his gifts of warmth, wisdom and insight on our Mary Free Bed Hospital Board of Trustees for many years. We will forever be grateful for his friendship and service. Rest In Peace, Terry.
Retired
3 年This is sad news. Terry always was a gentleman with great insight on local healthcare issues. It’s a big loss for west Michigan
President & CEO at Exceptional Leadership LLC
3 年So sorry to hear - he was a good one. Clearly a merger that had incredible long-term positive impact on the region.
Health advocate
3 年He was a compassionate and gracious leader who called many of us by name. I will remember him with great respect and admiration.