Paul Newton Prendergast (16 Jan 1967 - 17 Mar 2022)

I am sorry we are not able to attend Paul's service today. We only knew Paul for a short time, but it was enough to know that he was a kind, generous and warm man. It was a pleasure and privilege to have cared for him.
Our deepest sympathy are with all Paul's family. He is a great loss. Thinking of you on this very sad day, but our memories of Paul will last forever.
From All the staff at Doves Nest Nursing Home.

I remember first meeting Paul when I was about 4 years old and we went to visit Aunt Theresa in Jamaica. Most teenage boys would have hated hanging out with a kindergartener, but not Paul. The difference in our years meant nothing and we'd talk and laugh, or he'd do my hair, and my parents say I followed him absolutely everywhere for the week.

I'm pretty sure that's the only time I had the privilege of seeing him in person. Growing up I only ever got to talk with him briefly here and there when he and my Dad would call each other. (Everyone knows my Dad can chat!)

And then one day he called for Dad and Mum while everyone was out, and I joked "Sorry, cuz, it looks like you're stuck with me as a consolation prize!"  I'd soon realize that Paul was never the type to let you consider yourself a consolation, he made everyone feel special. We gabbed and laughed for well over an hour like dear old friends instead of cousins an ocean away who hadn't seen one another for over three decades. We promised to text and call more often, and so we did. 

I'll always remember Paul as having a positive spirit. He had such a kind and welcoming nature, and I know I wasn't the only one who thought so. Often, over the course of our calls, his friends would pop by to say hi and check in on him, or he'd tell me that he was busy cooking to send something over for his neighbors.

I know being unwell must have been beyond frustrating for him, but he never seemed to want to dwell on anything negative. I hope he has reached a final place rich with peace, wellness and freedom.

He truly was a ray of sunshine who will hold a piece of my heart always. I'll miss you, Sweets!

- Andrea

FB post written, 18 March 2022. I am sad today. My cousin Paul died yesterday evening. We were not aware of the extent of his illness, he downplayed it well. Paul is my Auntie Kelly's youngest child. In the next few days, I hope to travel to Manchester, England and help my 2nd cousin Amanda sort out his affairs.

Paul is like my brother, I was raised by his mother, my Auntie Kelly. Along side her children, I felt nothing but love and being wanted.

The story goes that my birth mother left me with him and the helper not returning for months/years later. He's always treated me like I was his, even though, he was only 7 years older that me. According to him - I WAS his. He was a great protector, confidante, cheerleader, and brother to me. I feel the loss of him greatly.

I remember being fostered initially since Auntie Kelly didn't have the means to take care of me (I was a toddler and she was the main bread winner for her family). I do remember, when I moved permanently into the family...I was about 5 or 6 years old, for me this is when my life began.

Paul was my everything as a teenager: my hair stylist, my tutor, my chef, my anatomy and physiology teacher (he taught me about menstruation - that's a funny story for another time, lol).

I am pouring out my hurt here because I can't keep it inside. I pay tribute to my cousin Paul...I will miss you. 😭❤😭❤