Francis Patrick ‘Paddy’ Mearing was born in 1927. He joined the AGW in 1970 and sadly passed on December 5th, 2023, aged 96.
Paddy in 2017 celebrating his 90th birthday
Message from Paddy’s son Tim (December 9th)
Hi Bernie, unfortunately I am writing to inform you that Pat ‘Paddy’ Mearing died peacefully on 5th Dec. a week after his 96th birthday. Never made the century!
He held the Association in very high regard and was honoured to have been a member for over fifty years. He leaves his wife Therese and sons Tim, Dom and Brendan. There will be a quiet cremation service on 22nd Dec in Northwich.
Kind regards,
Tim
Message from AGW Secretary to Tim (December 9th)
Dear Tim,
Hi and terribly sad news to learn of the passing of your father.
I know I can speak on behalf of all the members of the Association in expressing our sincerest condolences to your mother, Therese and all the family.
I recall it was around this time two years ago you arranged for me to speak with Paddy and what a wonderful conversation we had, and a conversation that now will be such a fond memory in having had the opportunity, albeit small, in being able to get to know him.
I will pass the sad news onto the members who I’m sure will wish to pen a tribute to Paddy, so be assured I will forward those onto you.
The AGW Santa is again due to pass by Knutsford in coming days, so please enjoy the gift while we’ll all raise a glass in fond memory to your father as our thoughts are with your mother Therese and the family.
Bernie
AGW Member Tributes – Paddy Mearing
Jeremy Chapman
Very sorry to hear another good one gone. Didn’t know Paddy well but he was always very helpful to me when I first started with the AGW. A real pro with a good heart.
Paul Trow
Paddy was the reason I joined Extel in the first place in 1979 and, among other things, became a golf writer of sorts. At the time he was managing editor of the whole operation, and very much in control of the purse strings.
He became a journalist the hard way, starting off as a copytaker for people like Alan Whicker, Eamonn Andrews and Leslie Thomas. He progressed patiently before being appointed as a sub and reporter (back then, all Extel journos were expected to excel at both skills).
Given the conservative nature of Extel’s management, it was a surprise that Paddy managed to persuade them to dip their toes in the world of viewdata (think Ceefax and Oracle) back in the late 1970s. The project was well conceived though before its time, but launched my career along with that of many others, including former Independent editor Simon Kelner.
In truth, Paddy was so much on top of his brief during his latter days at Extel that he was able to have a nap in his office most afternoons without anyone significant noticing (the pubs were closed between 3pm and 5.30 back then). He eventually retired in 1988 a much busier man towards the end thanks to the arrival of TV screens in betting shops.
He then retired to Knutsford in Cheshire and joined Mere Golf and Country Club where he flourished for a further three decades.
About 20 years ago, when I was writing my Christmas cards I noticed Paddy lived in Bexton Road, Knutsford. I realised straight away that my cousin Janet lived in the same road. When I told her about Paddy she confirmed he lived about 50 yards from her house and thereafter visited him regularly to check he and his family were OK.
Paddy’s association with golf led to a rich stream of Extel journalists working in the sport – Mike Britten, Bill Blighton, Tim Glover, David Facey, Bryan Cutress and my good self to name but a few.
Three of those guys are no longer with us, but we would, wherever we are, all be upstanding, glass of Jameson in hand, in toasting our old boss. Paddy, RIP.
Best wishes to all AGW members for happy festive season and LIV-free 2024.
Francis Patrick ‘Paddy’ Mearing (Article appearing in Knudsford/Wimslow Guardian)
The 96-year-old, of Knutsford, died peacefully in a nursing home on December 5.
Pat was the beloved husband of Therese and much-loved father of Tim, Dom and Brendan.
Funeral service and committal at Vale Royal Crematorium, Northwich on Friday, December 22, at 12pm.
Family flowers only please, donations if wished for the Downs Syndrome Association.
Donations and enquiries to Dodgson’s Funeral Service, 25 Manchester Road, Knutsford, WA16 0LY. Tel: 01565 634251.
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