SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Wilbert “Bill” Bourque, a former executive who played a major role in the growth of the Taylor Rental Corp. and ServiStar Corp. franchise programs, died here recently after a lengthy illness. He was 75.

Bourque began his career with Lumberjack, a Connecticut chain of hardware stores, rising to vice president of that firm. In 1967, he joined Taylor Rental, Springfield, Mass., in the new store set-up and display area, quickly rising to vice president of franchising, helping Taylor expand to a then-industry-leading 620 franchise rental centers. He was convention director for the first 10 Taylor rental conventions and started Taylor Tech, a training school for franchisees.

In 1985, Bourque joined Servistar, Butler, Pa., and was responsible for developing, launching and implementing the Grand Rental Station program, establishing the first 100 GRS rental franchises. Servistar eventually acquired the Taylor Rental organization, and Bourque retired in 1990, remaining as a Servistar consultant for several years.

Bourque is survived by his wife Florence, and three sons.