Lust for Life

AUCKLAND, Today: The funeral will be held in Hamilton tomorrow (Thursday) of publisher & magazine ad-sales legend Alyson Mackay – for many years (with ed David Gapes) one-half of Profile Publishing’s Onfilm and AdMedia magazines (the latter eventually evolved into M+AD Daily).

Onfilm was also edited by Nick Grant (now a senior producer at TVNZ Breakfast).

Mackey was an honest, intelligent, straight-talking, caring, loyal hard worker, with a constant twinkle in the eye.

She was also a legendary ciggie smoker – and it’s strange to think back to those fine old days when the editorial & sales teams laboured on their titles on the Profile board table or Reception amid clouds of smoke.

“She was an honest, straight-talking, caring, conscientious worker, with a constant twinkle in the eye – and a fag in her hand.”

Her frequent bursts of laughter were always full-on (and probably constributed to her unjustified rep as a drinker).

Mackey was 81 years old, and lived a full life – producing brace of sons, a daughter, and grandkids.

A service celebrating her life will be held on 20 May at 1.30pm, at Seddon Park Funeral Home, Hamilton. Please send all comms to the Mackey Family, PO Box 5523 Frankton.

Your stories?
Former clients & friends who’d like to contribute a memory are invited to share them (ed@mad-daily.com).