BOMB VICTIMS CAMPAIGNER DIES
Bomb victims' campaigner dies
Andrea McKernon
newsdesk@irishriews.com
Tributes to man who 'battled for justice with dignity'
TRIBUTES have been paid to Omagh bomb victims' campaigner Laurence Rush who died yesterday.
Mr Rush (70) lost his 57-year-old wife Elisabeth in the 1998 Real IRA atrocity that killed 29 people including a woman pregnant with twins.
Mrs Rush, a mother-of-three, was found dead in Pine Emporium, a gift shop which the couple ran together.
Her grieving husband, who touchingly described his wife as "my soulmate", identified her body.
Mr Rush died at Knockmoyle Lodge nursing home outside Omagh early yesterday.
The Tyrone businessman became a campaigner for victims' rights in the aftermath of the bombing which was the largest single loss of life during the Troubles.
Council chairman Frankie Donnelly paid tribute to a man who "battled for justice with dignity".
"Laurence Rush was a long-established businessman around Omagh who suffered the terrible tragedy of losing his wife Libby in the Omagh bombing," he said.
"He had battled ever since for justice with a great dignity. He will be missed.
"He was a local character as well whom everyone enjoyed and he was known throughout the area for his signs and signage business."
Ulster Unionist victims' spokesman Mike Nesbitt also expressed his sorrow at the death of Mr Rush.
"No-one who heard his incredibly passionate, emotional and articulate statement about the loss of his wife could fail to be moved by what he said. It was as powerful an assessment of the impact of terrorism as you will ever hear," the Strangford MLA said.
"He has carried the burden of loss for many years now and I am in no doubt he felt his own life ended that day on August 15, 13 years ago, when he lost his beloved Elizabeth.
"Those who carry out and support terrorism should reflect on the life sentences they impose on people like Laurence Rush and we should all bear in mind the impact this news will have on those most deeply impacted by the Omagh bomb and keep them in our thoughts at this time."
Mr Rush is due to be buried in Sacred Heart Church - where his wife was laid to rest - later this week.
Fr John McDevitt last night said the thoughts and prayers of the Drumragh parish were with the Rush family at this time.
Mr Rush is survived by his daughter Siobhan and sons Anthony and Andrew.
Andrea McKernon
newsdesk@irishriews.com
Tributes to man who 'battled for justice with dignity'
TRIBUTES have been paid to Omagh bomb victims' campaigner Laurence Rush who died yesterday.
Mr Rush (70) lost his 57-year-old wife Elisabeth in the 1998 Real IRA atrocity that killed 29 people including a woman pregnant with twins.
Mrs Rush, a mother-of-three, was found dead in Pine Emporium, a gift shop which the couple ran together.
Her grieving husband, who touchingly described his wife as "my soulmate", identified her body.
Mr Rush died at Knockmoyle Lodge nursing home outside Omagh early yesterday.
The Tyrone businessman became a campaigner for victims' rights in the aftermath of the bombing which was the largest single loss of life during the Troubles.
Council chairman Frankie Donnelly paid tribute to a man who "battled for justice with dignity".
"Laurence Rush was a long-established businessman around Omagh who suffered the terrible tragedy of losing his wife Libby in the Omagh bombing," he said.
"He had battled ever since for justice with a great dignity. He will be missed.
"He was a local character as well whom everyone enjoyed and he was known throughout the area for his signs and signage business."
Ulster Unionist victims' spokesman Mike Nesbitt also expressed his sorrow at the death of Mr Rush.
"No-one who heard his incredibly passionate, emotional and articulate statement about the loss of his wife could fail to be moved by what he said. It was as powerful an assessment of the impact of terrorism as you will ever hear," the Strangford MLA said.
"He has carried the burden of loss for many years now and I am in no doubt he felt his own life ended that day on August 15, 13 years ago, when he lost his beloved Elizabeth.
"Those who carry out and support terrorism should reflect on the life sentences they impose on people like Laurence Rush and we should all bear in mind the impact this news will have on those most deeply impacted by the Omagh bomb and keep them in our thoughts at this time."
Mr Rush is due to be buried in Sacred Heart Church - where his wife was laid to rest - later this week.
Fr John McDevitt last night said the thoughts and prayers of the Drumragh parish were with the Rush family at this time.
Mr Rush is survived by his daughter Siobhan and sons Anthony and Andrew.
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/1066
Published Date: 05-Mar-12
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