Mike Oborski, Julian Cummins, Peter Billenness and David Rebak - RIP

11.10.24am GMT Mon 12th Feb 2007

the last week has seen a number of lifelong Liberals taken from us, many of you will have known some of all of them, we remember them now.

In the West Midlands Liberal Councillor Mike Oborski passed away on Sunday at The Priory Hospital, Birmingham. Mike was a County Councillor and District Councillor for over 30 years. He is a past Mayor of Kidderminster, former Chairman of Wyre Forest, and past Leader of Wyre Forest District Council. Whilst Mike chose to be a Liberal rather than a Liberal Democrat he will be missed by the whole Liberal family. There will be a Civic Requiem Mass at St. Ambrose RC. Church Kidderminster at 12 noon on Friday March 2nd followed by a Reception at The Polish Club and then Internment at Kidderminster Cemetery. Adrian Beavis local Liberal Democrat said in tribute "Wyre Forest has lost a politician that cared about what local people wanted in Wyre Forest also the Polish community has also lost someone special." I have contact details for Fran Oborski, if you would like them please email me at colin@colin-ross.org.uk I don't really want to publish them on the internet.

Rev Dr Julian Cummins passed away on Friday aged 52, while on holiday in Majorca. Julian had an active life in business, politics and the church. Julian, a Vice-President of the Yorkshire and the Humber Region Liberal Democrats, had been Chair of the Region in the mid-1990s and it was his enthusiasm and vision that concentrated the regional party on targeting its limited resources. Julian brought his concern for church involvement in politics into his vision for the Churches Regional Commission for Yorkshire and the Humber, which began in 1998.

Peter Billenness passed away on Monday last. Peter was a long term South East Region Liberal Democrat member and activist and previous member of the Regional Executive. There will be a private service in Royal Tunbridge Wells and a service of thanksgiving to celebrate Peter's life. Any donations please to the League of Friends of Edenbridge Hospital where Peter was looked after for 5 months, or the Hospice in the Weald. Please send donations c/o Alex Jones Funeral Directors, 1 East Grinstead Road, Lingfield, Surrey RH7 6EP.

David Rebak passed away last week. David was active for many years, including in the early days of the Liberal growth in Southwark and most recently in Enfield. He was very generous with his time and advice and maintained a thorough optimism about the ability of anyone, anywhere to build up the party in their area.