City Pays Tribute to Marty Brennan, Who is 'Looking Down on City with Pride'

Rochester Hills City Council paid tribute to the late J. Martin Brennan on Monday night. Brennan died Oct. 7; he spent almost four years on City Council. 

After offering up memories of their colleague — and appointing Trip Brennan to fill his dad's seat — councilmembers honored Brennan's family with a plaque.

Here are some exerpts of what they had to say:

"He was the ultimate warrior. If I ever had to go into battle, I would want him by my side. He researched all of his viewpoints and was never afraid to take a stand. He achieved what most of us strived for — to make a difference."

— Rochester Hills City Council President Greg Hooper

"He is looking down on the entire city with a lot of pride."

— Trip Brennan, Marty's son, who was appointed Monday night to fill his seat on City Council

"You could never argue with his passion. He was the ultimate I've-got-your-back friend, councilmember, lawyer and Michigan fan. ...I thought for sure Michigan was going to win this weekend because Marty would intervene divinely."

— Councilmember Vern Pixley

"Once I said to Marty, 'You must be so proud of your kids. How did you do it?' He responded back that you have to stay with them — that you have to stay close to them. I have young kids. I will remember that as long as I live."

— Councilmember Nathan Klomp

"Marty was committed to making Rochester Hills a great place to live, work and play. I will remember Marty for his passion and dedication and service. More importantly I will remember Marty as a family man who put his role as a husband and a father above the role of public servant."

— Councilmember Michael Webber

"Losing Marty definitely created a void on City Council. At the funeral home, Leta saw me and reached out and said, 'Ravi, thank-you for coming. I know Marty and you were on different sides of the issues, but I want you to know he respected you.' "

— Councilmember Ravi Yalamanchi

"He was a great supporter of our community; a better cheerleader we could not have had."

— City Clerk Jane Leslie

"He was one of the most caring people I've ever met. He had a huge heart for those less fortunate in our community. My life is better having known Marty."

— Mayor Bryan Barnett