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It is with great sadness that I have to report the passing of Val McKinley (Bradene) , a dear and valued member of UKAuthors since its inception in 2001. She had not been well for quite some time, and I had an email from her daughter Sharon two days ago to say she'd passed.
Huge sympathy goes to Mac, Sharon and family, for this very sad loss.
So sorry to hear this sad news.
Val didn't post any writing on NEW UKAuthors but here is a link to her UKArchive:
a wonderful woman, it's so painful right now for me as a Greek because of our national tragedy yesterday, and now I read this.
RIP Val, I shall always remember you.
So sorry to hear the sad news.
We used to comment on each other writings and she was always kind and appreciative.
I found out from her Facebook page that she lived in Handforth, the same town as I do, but our paths never crossed. What a shame.
Please convey my deepest sympathy to her family, Andrea.
Many thanks, Luigi.
This poem of hers that won an ABCtales competition is an example of her excellent poetry:
Will do, Luigi, thank you.
Aww I'm so sorry to hear of Val's passing. I know it has been a while since I have been on UKA, but do remember Val and she was a lovely talented lady, who I had the pleasure to know online. My condolences to her family and friends. Much Love...Lisa. xxx
I remember the poem well. I never met Val in person, but exchanged much interaction in cyberspace. She actually spoke to my wife on the phone once. Sad to hear she passed away. RIP Val.
Golly! I haven't been here in ages and I come back to this. ? I was very fond of Val, although I had lost contact with her. She (and Sharon) were part of the UKAway to Limnisa in 2009 (I think). Great memories - I remember managing to persuade her into the sea and we had a ball! Her writing was lovely - like her personality. I am so sorry to hear that she has died. My sincere condolences to her family.
So sorry to hear this. My thoughts go to her family. R.I.P
This is very sad news. I remember her from back on the old site and she was one of my 'fave authors' there.
I send my condolences to her family and friends. RIP Val.
Oh my...What sad news. I have very fond memories of Val. When I first arrived, tentative and lacking confidence, she encouraged me with every post and was very kind. She was on my fav authors list. I knew she was not keeping well but it is sad to hear we have lost another of our UKA family.
Sincere condolences to her loved ones but also to Andrea, who has seen so many become well loved then leave us.
Alison x
Like others I haven't been here for a while, no excuses just haven't bothered but to read this sad news makes me wish I had bothered. Val and I shared a 'physical place', Leicester where I was brought up and she was always interesting and interested.
I was only thinking about her a couple of weeks ago. I was going through some old files from my old website and she was there, one of my 'featured writers'.
She had a good sense of humour and she was always very encouraging as I was with her and I truly thought of her as a friend.
My thoughts are with her family and her many friends on this site. I shall miss her.
Safe passage, Val.
Chrissy.
Yesterday I had The Order of Service from Sharon and Mac through the post. Val's poem 'My Last Thoughts' was on it. Extremely moving, poignant and made me tearful (not an easy thing to do). I will ask Sharon's permission to post it here.
Hi Boss,
I do hope she gives the go -ahead. It would be nice to read it. ?