Long-time Kenilworth businessman Patrick Brook died on 25 May 2009.

Patrick, who ran Brookline Cars in the town for 30 years, was born on November 8, 1941, in Moseley Road, Kenilworth.

He attended St John’s School before going to Warwick School.

On leaving education he went to work with the famous fabric company, Cash’s, in Coventry. When his mother died, he decided to take over the family business named after his dad, Frank Brook Taxis, operating just one Ford Cortina. Patrick and his wife Patricia (Hetty) worked hard for many years building up the business and renaming it Brookline Cars Limited. Over 30 years they built up a reputation for providing a quality service.

Their youngest son Simon started working for the company as a mechanic and progressed through the business to become managing director, now running a fleet of 16 vehicles ranging from cars to coaches.

With a passion for music, Patrick was a member of several bands playing the guitar, piano and backing vocals. Patrick continued to be part of the music scene for more than 40 years.

Hetty and Patrick were married in 1971 and had two children, Spencer and Simon.

In 2002 he had a mild stroke and decided to retire and see the world with his wife. They travelled far and wide to destinations such as the USA, Thailand, Canada, India, Australia, Nepal and Argentina. They also travelled across the UK and Europe in their motorhome.

Gardening was also a passion and he spent many an hour tending to his plants and shrubs.

With an interest in gadgets and electronics as well, he kept up-to-date with the latest technology, surfing the net, downloading music and developing an interest in digital photography.

But in November 2008, he was diagnosed with throat cancer and underwent both chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Determined not to let his illness hold him back, he set off on a family holiday to Ireland which he loved for its music scene. It was during this trip that he was taken ill and after being transferred back to University Hospital Coventry, he died on Monday, May 25 2009.

He leaves his wife, two sons and his four-month-old grand-daughter Isabelle.