McKinlay
Meldrum James aka Paddy, Mel
Wednesday, 27 May 1942
Born:
Passed:
Thursday, 26 June 2025
After a courageous battle, surrounded by his loving family at Peacehaven Iona Wing, Paddy took his fishing rod and headed off into the sunset – forever fishing.
Loved son of the late James and Freda McKinlay.*
Loved father of Raquel Taylor, Tracey and James Dawson, Maggie and Joe Simmonds.
Loved Grandad Mel of Jasmine, Phoenix and Georgia.
Brother and brother-in-law to June,* Evenlyn* and Ted Hill,* Kenneth and Alexi McKinlay, and Noel.*
Respected and loved uncle and great-uncle to all his nieces and nephews.
A friend to many.
Special thank you to Peacehaven Rest Home and all their caring staff who looked after Paddy.
A service to celebrate Paddy's life will be held on Tuesday, 01 July, at 1 pm at the Southland Crematorium.
Donations to Hospice Southland in lieu of flowers.
Please find a link to the livestream below
Dad, there’s been so many moments missed, many words unspoken & a lifetime of being a daughter without a father. It’s hard to find the words at this difficult time, but my heart’s full knowing you had a beautiful life with a wonderful family. I was fortunate enough to have met you in our later years & I will cherish the short time we had. May you finally enjoy your never ending fishing adventures from heaven & may your wings shine bright always. Farewell dad.
Raquel Taylor
There comes a time in every person's life to set aside all your worries, put your feet up and know you've done your duty to the best of your abilities.
It has been a real pleasure knowing you Mel, and sharing part of your life with me. So sorry I am not able to be there for your farewell, but my brother Tony and his daughter Sharon will be there representing our family and our special relationship we had together. Fair sailing, my friend, may the wind be always at your back.
Dennis
R.I.P now uncle Paddy. Thanks for all the times you took me fishing! Still have memories of you asleep on the couch on Xmas days ha.
Sorry we can’t be there.
Heather & Michael Leahy
Heather
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