Tributes to 'Mr Heywood' Peter Rush who was a Rochdale Hornets legend

Cllr Peter Rush died on Wednesday, February 21 following years of service to the people of Rochdale.

At the meeting of the full council in Rochdale Town Hall last night, Wednesday, Cllr Rush received warm compliments and thanks for his many years of hard work within the borough.

The chamber observed a minute’s silence for the former Rochdale Hornets legend as a mark of respect.

Leading the tributes to the former mayor, Rochdale Council leader Cllr Neil Emmott said: “I found out on Sunday he was not well. 

“I was privileged to speak to his son at the weekend and his now widow.

"His son said they were all very sad but he’s had a long and very colourful life.

“He was a man of compassion, a caring man who cared about his family, constituents and colleagues.

"Tony got kudos from all political angles as a man of principle and someone who would do his best for this town.”

Cllr Peter Rush, who served as mayor of Rochdale (Picture: Rochdale Council)

Cllr John Taylor, leader of the Conservatives, added: “Another public servant who served this council well.

"I got to know Peter as soon as I came onto council as we both sat on the planning panel and quickly realised he knew my uncle who had played for Hornets.  

“A man of the people and in many ways, Mr Heywood was a man who seemed more interested in politics and more interested in the community. 

“We will all miss Peter. On behalf of all of our group, I can say Peter will be sadly missed and our thoughts are very much with his family at this difficult time.”

Although Cllr Rush was part of the Labour group, he was previously a Liberal Democrat, which Cllr Andy Kelly, leader of the Lib Dems, admitted was the reason they had not spoken as much in recent years.

However, Cllr Kelly told his colleagues fond memories he shared with the late councillor during his time as mayor and with their shared love of Manchester City. 

Cllr Rush also ran the Albany Hotel in Heywood following a career in textiles at Trutex and had a lifelong association with the Rochdale Hornets rugby team. 

Cllr Rush’s association with Rochdale Hornets covered over six decades.

Having been a founder member of Spotland Rangers in the early 1950s, he began his relationship with the Hornets when he played for the club while still an amateur.

Later in life, he moved from the playing field to the boardroom, serving first as a director and then as chairman between 1993 and 1996 – helping to run an A team and academy. He returned for a short spell as a director in 2002.

Rochdale Hornets chairman Andy Mazey said in a tribute: “Peter was a lovely man who I had the pleasure of meeting before my arrival at Hornets in RFL meetings and rugby league circles.

"I first truly got to know Peter however when I formed the consortium that took control of the club early in 2020. 

“One of my first actions as chairman was to ask Peter to take an honorary role as an ambassador of the club. He was delighted to be asked and was full of helpful advice. 

“From that day until to his last, he remained 100 per cent supportive of myself, the board of directors and his beloved Rochdale Hornets.

"We all will undoubtedly have many great memories of Peter to remember him by.”