It is with sadness that I announce the death of one of our Friends, Paddy Findlay.
Paddy played at the VicarGig event at The Barn in 2015, bringing both original material and quality covers of well known songs with his acoustic guitar, played in a folk style. It was one of his first ever gigs, but if he had any nerves, they didn’t show.
Following the warm reception that the VicarGig crowd extended to him, he went on to other things, including regular performances at various “Open Mic” nights in Ware amongst other places. He championed and coordinated more live music for local pubs, especially the White Horse in Wareside and the Green Man in Widford. After a while, he teamed up with a ukulele-playing friend and was a real success as part-time musical act, “Paddy and Lloyd,” regularly playing at community events, birthday parties and weddings. (Check out their beautiful version of “Sound of Silence” on YouTube, here.)
Paddy was a popular young man – polite, friendly and approachable, and never too busy to stop what he was doing to lend a hand or chat to others. His family are rightly devastated by his sudden death during an overseas holiday, but the deep affection felt for him by the wider community has been very much on display in the days since his death. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Let us remember in our prayers all who grieve for one so young, taken too soon, and yet at the same time be grateful that we had the privilege of being blessed by Paddy’s music and his friendship.