Just a little while ago I heard the sad news that Paul McKay had died. He had been suffering from pancreatic cancer.

I met Paul in December 2002 at Soul In The City, when it was at the Old Blue Last pub in Great Eastern Street. At the same night I met Dave Greenhill and John Stubbs for the first time too. I'd only just started going out to soul nights again and was a little bit nervous. Paul put me at my ease and we soon were chatting about records. I remember asking him what one was he played and he told me it was James Phelps' Look On Your Face. Funny how things stick in your memory. Helen, later his wife was also there that night.

We have remained friends ever since. When my wife Lesley died in 2005 he was away in Rimini at the weekender there and he phoned me, he was crying. Now I feel like crying for Paul.

So many things I could say, but one of the horrible things about losing a friend is that you can never have those conversations you had with them again.

My thoughts and prayers are with Helen and his family.

RIP Paul McKay.

53 minutes ago, Geoff said:

Just a little while ago I heard the sad news that Paul McKay had died. He had been suffering from pancreatic cancer.

I met Paul in December 2002 at Soul In The City, when it was at the Old Blue Last pub in Great Eastern Street. At the same night I met Dave Greenhill and John Stubbs for the first time too. I'd only just started going out to soul nights again and was a little bit nervous. Paul put me at my ease and we soon were chatting about records. I remember asking him what one was he played and he told me it was James Phelps' Look On Your Face. Funny how things stick in your memory. Helen, later his wife was also there that night.

We have remained friends ever since. When my wife Lesley died in 2005 he was away in Rimini at the weekender there and he phoned me, he was crying. Now I feel like crying for Paul.

So many things I could say, but one of the horrible things about losing a friend is that you can never have those conversations you had with them again.

My thoughts and prayers are with Helen and his family.

RIP Paul McKay.

Thanks for sharing this very sad news Geoff

I met Paul a few times over the years, he was a long time member on here making many contribution to teh forums from 2003 onwards.

My deepest condolences go to all his family and friends

Profile link below

@Paul McKay

Rip Paul

Very sorry to hear this. I first met Paul at These Old Shoes in the late 90s and used to see him regularly at the London northern (and other) soul dos. Such a lovely bloke - we used to talk about music and football (Charlton & Bromley). He played great sets as a DJ too. He seemed to be making the most of things recently, travelling to a lot of places for breaks. RIP.

Edited November 2, 20231 yr by Daved

Sad, sad news Geoff and thanks for passing it on.  I hadn't seen Paul for some time, and now I know why.  I'll always remember when I did the 'Soul for Heroes (South)' charity dayer in 2006 Paul unexpectantly presented me with a rather large cheque, courtesy of his work colleagues at the London Metal Exchange.

Always a thoroughly nice guy, on and off the decks.

Condolences to Helen and family.

RIP Paul McKay

Well that is really sad news.  Paul was a great fella and will be greatly missed.

Condolences to Helen and the family.

 

Very sad news, a true gentleman of the soul scene.

I'm very sad to hear that Paul has passed away. I first bumped into him at These Old Shoes, so that must be the best part of 25 years ago. As others have said, a true gentleman. My condolences to Helen & family.

Sad news indeed, It was only a few weeks ago when I was told  that he was ill and now in end of life care.

I only knew him to speak to a few short years, but did communicate with him online from time to time.

RIP and thoughts going out to Helen and the family.

Edited November 2, 20231 yr by John Benson

Sad news.  I met Paul about 20 years ago at a Soul in the City do.  Always said hello when bumping into one another on occasions over the years.

Condolences to his family and friends.

Sad news. First met Paul quite a few years ago through John Stubbs. Condolences to Paul's family and friends.

Paul was always on my mailing list, a regular buyer picking up some pretty select stuff from me, always the Gentleman, a pleasure to deal with, and I gained great insight from the side chat that accompanied any , all of a sudden, you wish you’d had the opportunity to say hello, face to face. Thinking of those who were close, Helen, family and friends, thoughts are with you X

Such a lovely guy, was always a real pleasure to see him. Will be sadly missed. RIP. xx

Thats really Sad, used to speak to him an awful lot when I lived in London, he was a Gentleman.

Rest in Peace Paul.

Extremely sad news ,as everyone has said,Paul was a real gentleman and a great record collector and DJ .I didn’t know him as well as many ,but it was only a short while ago that I spent some time chatting to him at Carib Soul in London .Thinking of his lovely wife Helen ,and his many friends x

Sad news, met Paul once or twice back in the day and he was indeed a Gentleman, my condolences to all those close to him.

I'm very sad to hear of Paul's passing. Paul & Helen used to travel down to Bournemouth when I first started promoting the soul nights at Bournemouth Uni & was a resident. My condolences to Helen & their family.