An internationally-renowned cartoonist has died of a brain haemorrhage – shortly before his wife recovered from a heart attack which their family claim was caused by the tragedy.
Father-of-three Rod McKie, 63, died on March 26, a few days after suffering a stroke.
Mr McKie had his first cartoon published in 1980, and was the youngest ever person to have a cartoon published in Punch magazine.
His widow Lis McKie, 62 – who he met in school 48 years ago – had a heart attack soon after.
The couple’s daughter Kim Paton, 33, said her mother’s ‘heart is struggling as a result of his death’.
She said Mrs McKie is ‘alone for the first time ever’ and has found it ‘overwhelming’.
Father-of-three Rod McKie, 63, (pictured) died from a brain haemorrhage on March 26 a few days after suffering a stroke
Self-taught Mr McKie, from Gracemount, Edinburgh, scribbled gag cartoons at school.
His work later appeared in The Sun, the Wall Street Journal, Playboy and the Harvard Business Review.
Cancer survivor Mr McKie died at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and his family gave consent for his brain to be used for research to find out more about the type of intracerebral brain haemorrhage he had.
His family laid him to rest on April 10. Just one day later, Mrs McKie was admitted to hospital with a suspected heart attack.
She was discharged yesterday but will be on tablets for a heart condition for the rest of her life.
Mr McKie is remembered as someone who encouraged other illustrators to value their work make sure they were being paid fairly for it.
He rescued leftover cartoons from being burnt by executives at IPC Magazines.
His actions lead to him to be featured in a comic by Alan Moore, who created The Watchmen and V for Vendetta.
Ms Paton, 33, said: ‘My dad taught himself everything he knew.
Mr McKie had his first cartoon published in 1980, and was the youngest ever person to have a cartoon published in Punch magazine. Pictured: One of his cartoons
‘He faced so much rejection in the early years but persevered until his work got out there.
‘When his first story got published in The Sun, it was a massive achievement for a comprehensive-educated person.
‘He was well known for going down to London and saving his and other’s work from being burned.
‘That’s the type of person he was. He was loved and respected in the publishing community due to his love of the work.
‘He encouraged others to recognise their skills and to value their work and make sure they got paid the appropriate rate.
‘He encouraged and inspired others.’
Mr and Mrs McKie met in school at the ages of 15 and 14, respectively, and ‘they were still so madly in love 48 years later’, Mrs Paton said.
Self-taught Mr McKie, from Gracemount, Edinburgh, scribbled gag cartoons at school. His work later appeared in The Sun, the Wall Street Journal, Playboy and the Harvard Business Review
She said: ‘[My mother’s] poor heart is struggling as a result of his death.
‘She’s alone for the first time ever, so I think it’s been so overwhelming for her.
‘Dad did everything for her and for us three kids. The five of us have always been an incredibly close family.
‘It’s pretty horrific. I’ve never felt pain like this, to be honest.
‘My dad was my best friend, I talked to him every single day.
‘He would do anything for anybody and was the sweetest, most talented man.
‘His life will live on through his work.’
The family are fundraising £5,000 to help pay for a funeral as Mr McKie had been unable to get life insurance when he had cancer five years before.
To donate to the fundraiser, click here.