Rod Mckie: Tributes paid to Edinburgh cartoonist who died 'suddenly' leaving behind heartbroken partner of 48 years

Tributes have poured in after an Edinburgh cartoonist, whose works have been published by Playboy and Wall Street Journal, suddenly died in hospital.

Rod Mckie, from Edinburgh, was taken to hospital after having a stroke last month.

His family said the 63-year-old’s condition quickly deteriorated after a haemorrhage had caused complete paralysis on his right hand side and he died just days later on 26 March.

He leaves behind his three children – Dominique, 39, Anthony, 35, and Kim, 33 – and his wife Lis, 62, who has been his lifelong partner since he was 15.

Daughter Kim said his sudden death has completely shaken the family, particularly her mother who has since been admitted to hospital with a heart condition following Mr Mckie’s death.

"Mum was 14 and dad was 15 when they met, and they were still so madly in love 48 years later,” said Kim.

"She was there in hospital holding his hand when he died, so it’s been devastating for her.”

Kim said her mother is currently in hospital having suffered from a suspected heart attack shortly after Mr Mckie’s death and is being treated for the heart condition atrial fibrillation.

Rod Mckie with his daughter Kim picture: supplied

"Her poor heart is struggling as a result of his death,” Kim said.

"He was everything to her, she loved him more than she ever thought was possible.”

Mr Mckie had survived cancer of the larynx five years ago and his family were due to host an event celebrating five years cancer-free.

He died just days before the celebration.

On behalf of the Mckie family, Kim said: “Roddy was an amazing man and we were just completely unprepared for his passing, it was just so unexpected.

"We are all absolutely devastated and are now struggling with the emotional, financial and just overall completely life changing situation that we have found ourselves in.

"Words honestly just cannot describe how much this amazingly talented, fantastic, kind and loving man will be missed.”

Tributes have also been paid to the cartoonist following an announcement of his death on social media.

Edinburgh resident Jonathan Melville said: “Very sorry to read this, he certainly made Twitter a better place when he was on it. Wish I’d got to meet him.”

Illustrator Nicholas Dickens said: “I’m so sorry for your loss. Rod was a fantastically talented artist and far more talented at being a truly remarkable and warm human being.”

Cartoonist Gary Northfield said: “Sending lots of love and condolences. Rod was a fantastic champion of cartoonists and cartooning and will be greatly missed.”

Cartoonist Alexander Matthews said: “Terrible news. My first encounter with Rod was on the Cartoonists Club of Great Britain Forum, where he called me a troll. I remember it fondly. We never met but exchanged many messages since then. A lovely man.”

Kim said she and her husband Edward Paton printed off some of the tributes from social media and made a scrap book to give to Lis to read while she recovers in hospital.

A gofundme has since been set up in Mr Mckie’s name with a target of £5,000 to cover funeral costs and to support Lis through her heart diagnosis.

It has so far raised more than £1,300.

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