Tributes paid to former Lord Mayor of Plymouth

Former Lord Mayor and long-time Councillor for the Sutton Ward John Finnigan, known as Jack to his friends and colleague, passed away peacefully on Thursday 16 January at Ispwich Hospital in Suffolk following a short illness. He was 90 years of age.

John Finnigan BEM (Jack), dedicated his life to serving the community. He was born in Leigh in Lancashire on the 15th April 1923. His parents Edward and Lillian moved down to Plymouth when he was 18 months old where he grw up in Devonport and Keyham Barton School.

He later went on to serve as an RAF engineer between the years 1940 to 1946, where he worked with aircraft and radar systems.
 
Following 14 years as a ships engineer in the Royal Army Service Corps, he worked in New Zealand, returning to Plymouth three years later in 1966. He then resumed his working life as a diesel fitter at the British Railways, Laira depot.  From 1967 he was elected as a shop steward (AUEW).

He was an active and supportive colleague who was particularly focused on improving Health and safety procedures and practices.  He worked there until 1988.

He was active in the Territorial Army for a large part of his life; as a member of the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers, he saw a variety of tours of duty, including time in Germany and Cyprus.

Jack was active in local politics winning the Sutton Ward Council seat for Labour. He held the seat for 21 years. He became Deputy Lord Mayor in 1984/85 and then Lord Mayor of Plymouth in 1990/91.   Jack was the second Lord Mayor of Plymouth to circumnavigate the globe, the first being Francis Drake. He was made Alderman of the city in 1995.

In 1988 Jack received the British Empire Medal for services to the Territorial Army.  His actions and services were also commemorated by the County Council when a newly created road between St Anne’s Battery and Sutton was named Finnigan Road.   He also served as Chair of Governors at Holy Cross School, and was a governor there for a total of 20 years.

Jack spent his final years closer to his family in Suffolk, where he continued his involvement in the British Legion becoming a local Welfare Officer, supporting ex military personnel and their families. He was also active in a variety of voluntary roles, serving on the scrutiny panel for Orwell Housing.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years Irene, his three children, Sandra, Kevin and Theresa and their families whi have said: "He was larger than life itself. He enjoyed his time. He was always focused on the needs and support for others. He will be missed!"

Current Lord Mayor, Councillor Vivien Pengelly added: “I am saddened to hear this news and my thoughts go out to his family.

“I knew Jack well when I was first starting out as a Councillor. He was extremely friendly, kind and helpful to me. He often invited me along to his engagements, which I thoroughly enjoyed. He was a great Councillor and I will miss him.”

Freeman John Ingham added: "I am deeply saddened to hear of Jack’s death. He was a good friend and colleague who supported me throughout my time on the Council.

"He had lots of time for people and his kind manner made everyone feel at ease with him. He enjoyed life to the full and was a most entertaining companion. He was the second catholic Lord Mayor in Plymouth and he will long be remembered with fondness. My thoughts are with Irene and the family."

Alderman Jack Jones also said: "Jack Finnigan was a very good friend and stalwart colleague on the Labour Group of the City Council. He served as Lord Mayor, but I'll remember him best for his humour and his ability to represent the men and women in his ward, and in Plymouth generally. A true gentleman who will be sorely missed."

The Council are flying the union flag at half mast outside the Plymouth Guildhall until the funeral which will take place in Brantham, Suffolk on Wednesday 5 February.