A HEARTFELT tribute has been paid by Rugby’s Mayor to her late husband.
Brendan O’Rourke passed away suddenly on December 22, at the age of 69, with wife Maggie by his side.
Brendan was born in Galway in 1954, and his family moved to Rugby when he was just two years old. He grew up in Rugby, attending school at St Marie’s and Bishop Wulstan.
Brendan had a long and successful career in business and finance with the Chrysler Motor Company in Coventry, which later became Peugeot, and later at engine manufacturer Cummins’ Daventry plant.
He was together with Maggie – now Rugby’s Mayor – for 32 years in total, and they got married in New York in 2002. Between them, they have four children and five grandchildren.
She said: “I first met Brendan when I was 13 years of age and loved him from the first moment I saw him. Brendan has always been my best friend.
“We have had some amazing journeys and travelled to many incredible places. Our family has always been at the heart of everything we do and we have had some amazing family holidays.
“He loved to torment me when I was taking myself too seriously. Every morning when we woke up together, we’d always start the day with a bit of banter.
“I’m going to miss him dreadfully and I know that family and friends are also devastated by this loss. Thank you to all who have sent and written such beautiful things about Brendan – it has brought much comfort to me and the whole family.”
Brendan’s interests included travel, comedy and music. He was a lifelong fan of Coventry City and loved the game of rugby.
His step-daughter Jo Billings, Maggie’s daughter, described Brendan as a true gentleman who made people feel good about themselves.
She added: “Brendan was great fun and had a real sense of humour and mischief.
“Family meant everything to Brendan. The many members of his family respected him and valued his opinions.
“Brendan had a knack of getting right to the heart of what mattered for each person. He made everyone feel cared for.
“He was also ready to stand up and fight for those he cared for and what he believed in. He was political and his politics grew out of his love and compassion for others.
“Brendan was proud to be the Mayor Consort and support his wife in her Mayoral duties. Brendan was often heard saying how much he enjoyed this work as it exposed him to the kindness and generosity of others across all walks of life.
“He felt privileged to bear witness to all the many good deeds of the people in the town.”
