Willoughby City Council is mourning the passing of their ‘magnificent mayor’, Pat Reilly.
More than 1000 people attended Our Lady of Dolours Church, Chatswood on January 28 to say goodbye to Councillor Reilly, who passed away on January 21 after a short, sudden illness with his wife Beth and daughter Sophie by his side.
Guests at the funeral service included former Prime Minister of Australia, Bob Hawke, Federal and State MPs, past and present mayors and councillors, family, friends, members of the Willoughby community and council staff.
In an announcement to the media, Willoughby General Manager Nick Tobin and Deputy Mayor Gail Giles said Cr Reilly was an incredible man.
“No words can describe the immense contribution he made to the City of Willoughby and to its people, and his passing is an incredible loss for our community.
“Pat was the type of person you meet once in a lifetime, and we are all so fortunate to have shared him in our lives.”
Born in 1952, Cr Reilly lived and worked the majority of his life in Willoughby. He was elected to Willoughby Council in 1987 and re-elected in 1991 and 1995.
He was elected Mayor of Willoughby City in September 1997, and in 1999 became the first popularly elected Mayor of Willoughby. He was one of the longest serving mayors in Australia, having served as mayor for 17 years and on council for 27 years.
Mr Tobin and Cr Giles said Pat Reilly would always be remembered as a man who dedicated himself to the people of Willoughby.
“He was the people’s mayor and will be remembered for bringing major city issues to the attention of State and Federal governments, listening to and fighting for the community and attending every event requested of him – even dressed as Elvis Presley on more than one occasion.
“He was the driving force behind The Concourse, leading the delivery of one of the largest public infrastructure projects undertaken by a local government. The Concourse realised his vision of bringing cultural activities to the people of Willoughby. He was so proud every time he saw local school children perform on the Concert Hall stage or when the community attended to see professional performers, performing in a world-class venue in their own backyard.
“He kept a sense of history and individuality throughout the neighbourhoods of Willoughby while also accounting for appropriate growth and development.
“Pat supported the City of Willoughby to become the City of Diversity, a city that is positively renowned for its diversity and that celebrates many cultural groups and activities.
“He was an enormously generous and caring man who knew so many residents personally, having helped them in some way, attended their event, or presented them an award at a school event.
“Pat Reilly’s impact on the City of Willoughby, and entire North Shore will never be equalled or forgotten. His legacy will remain in the diversity of the city, the exceptional lifestyle offered and in the happiness of the community.”
