Paul McKinlay, 55, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at Emerson Hospital on November 27th, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He faced every challenge cancer gave him with courage, strength, and an optimism that inspired everyone around him.
He was born on April 4th, 1968 in Winnipeg, Canada to David and Jean McKinlay, before moving to the UK in 1970 when his parents returned home. Paul is survived by his wife, Helen, his two daughters, Alexandra and Sophia, and his mother, Jean. He was predeceased by his father, David.
He studied for a BA (Hons) in Retail Marketing at The Manchester Metropolitan University and later received qualifications from Cranfield School of Management.
Paul and Helen met while working for Asda in the UK. They married in 2001, having both realized they’d met their soulmate. Paul always described Helen as the love of his life, and would proudly tell anyone that being the father to his daughters was his greatest achievement.
He then became the owner of two internal communications agencies before taking on the role of Senior Director, Global Communications for Vista, and moving with his family to Paris. He later became a Vice President at Cimpress and moved to Concord in 2014.
During the pandemic in 2020, Paul led Cimpress’ innovative approach to remote working, and became a firm believer that businesses needed to adapt to their employees’ need for a work/life balance. He was a born leader, who acted with the highest levels of integrity. He was a lifelong supporter of Manchester United Football Club and a passionate New England Sports fan. Paul loved to fly and for many years held a private pilot’s license. He enjoyed good food and his cocktail-making skills were legendary.
Paul’s kindness, sharp mind, sense of humor, and big heart were appreciated by the vast array of friends and associates he gathered across the globe. He was loved by many, and will be greatly missed.
Paul’s friends and family will gather for a private service to be held in the Farrar Chapel of the Dee Funeral Home in Concord on 12th December. The interment will be at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be welcomed in Paul’s memory to either Massachusetts General Hospital (for Gastrointestinal Cancer Research), or to the nursing staff at Emerson Hospital. Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord. To share a remembrance or to offer a condolence in Paul’s online guestbook, please visit www.DeeFuneralHome.com.
