'He was a real gentleman - he always had the city in his heart' - Tributes paid to former long-standing Wolverhampton councillor and Mayor
Tributes have flooded in for a former Wolverhampton councillor who served his community with distinction for nearly 40 years.
Former Wolverhampton city alderman, councillor and mayor, John Rowley, sadly passed away earlier this week at the age of 75, ending more than 40 years of service to his community.
Mr Rowley represented the residents of the Blakenhall Ward between 1982 and 2020, and in his time worked to better the region for its residents and visitors through various community and heritage projects.
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Heartwarming tributes have since been made to the late Labour councillor and former mayor, with many noting his dedication to serving the Wolverhampton people.
Councillor Craig Collingswood, Mayor of Wolverhampton, said: "I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Councillor and City Alderman, John Rowley.
"John served the city as a Councillor with great distinction for almost 40 years, representing the residents of Blakenhall between 1982 and 2020.
"Alderman Rowley also enjoyed a year as Mayor of Wolverhampton in 2003/04, underlining his dedication and commitment to the people of the city.
"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time."
Wolverhampton Council leader Councillor Stephen Simkins said Mr Rowley, who formerly lectured at Dudley College, will be "sadly missed".
Councillor Simkins told the Express & Star: "He was fully supported by his wife who was a councillor too, they both supported Blakenhall.
"On the national stage they were real stalwarts for Wolverhampton. They always had the city in their heart.
"He was an excellent mayor who had an open door policy. A real gentleman. He was a real man of the people, laser focused, and cared. That's what is missing today, is people who care."
Many people also added their own tributes, remembering working with him and passing their condolences to Mr Rowley's family.
Former MP for Wolverhampton North East, Jane Stevenson, said: "Sad news. RIP. My thoughts with Judith and all those who mourn John."
Warinder Juss, Labour MP for Wolverhampton West, said: " “I was saddened to hear about the passing of John Rowley, and my thoughts are with his wife Judith and with his friends and family.
"As a councillor in Blakenhall, John was an excellent representative of his constituents and showed great commitment to public service and to the City of Wolverhampton. He will be greatly missed.”
Posting on social media, David Saville said: "Very sad. John was a great guy and a very committed public servant."
