Paul McKinlay, 55, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at Emerson Hospital in Concord 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.

Paul and Helen met while working in the UK for the Walmart subsidiary, Asda. They married in 2001, having both realized they'd met their soulmate. Paul always described Helen as the love of his life. They were delighted to announce the arrival of Alexandra in 2003 and Sophia in 2009. Paul would proudly tell anyone that being the father to his daughters was his greatest achievement.

Paul studied for a BA (Hons) Retail Marketing at The Manchester Metropolitan University between 1987 and 1991, and later received qualifications from Cranfield School of Management between 2003 and 2005.

Following graduation, Paul was recruited as a graduate trainee at Toys R Us. His talent was spotted during a television documentary about the business and he was recruited by Asda's then Chairman, Archie Norman.

Following his time at Asda, Paul 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. After four happy years in France, he became a Vice President at Cimpress and the family moved to Concord in 2014.

During the pandemic in 2020, Paul led Cimpress' approach to remote working and was subsequently invited to attend various industry panels to discuss his innovative thinking. He became a firm believer that businesses needed to adapt to their employees' need for a work/life balance.

Setting challenging standards for himself and his teams, Paul was a born leader who acted with the highest levels of integrity. His attention to detail, hardworking nature, and ability to think clearly under pressure made him ideal for the world of retail and internal communications.

He was a lifelong supporter of Manchester United Football Club, an avid enthusiast of Formula 1 Racing, and a passionate fan of all the New England Sports teams. He also shared his Dad's passion for the England cricket team. 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 December 12th. The interment will be at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.

His family are very grateful to Paul's medical team, and in lieu of flowers, donations would be welcomed in Paul's memory to either Massachusetts General Hospital (for Gastrointestinal Cancer Research): https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate/ , or to the nursing staff at Emerson Hospital who cared so well for him: https://www.emersonhospital.org/support-emerson/donate-now

Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.