Simon Flynn, on behalf of the Malta Institute of Accountants, writes:

Kevin Mahoney, a true gentleman and a fine person, passed away on November 29, aged just 51.

I first met Kevin when we were both about eight years old at St Aloysius’ College and since then our lives moved very much in parallel, often intersecting both personally and professionally, always in a very pleasant manner. More recently, and for a long number of years, this happened when we sat together as council members of the Malta Institute of Accountants. Looking across the council room at the place normally occupied by Kevin, at our first meeting since he passed away, brought back so many happy memo­ries and much more than a touch of a sadness.

When a colleague, and a true friend, passes away at such a young age, things are always difficult to understand and to put into perspective. However, the memories Kevin left me, and all of us at the institute, are so positive that we can only look back with satisfaction at having had the privi­lege of having known such a good man.

Kevin was a quiet and unassuming person but at the same time always very determined in what he did and confident and clear in his purpose. It always impressed me how he could quickly analyse an issue, strip it bare from any unnecessary detail and get straight to the point with an opinion that was rarely off the mark. He did this in the gentlest of manners, never raising his voice or making too much of a scene. Kevin rarely spoke just for the sake of it and when he did, people listened.

He was able to make a convincing argument in a conciliatory tone that brought people together rather than antogonised them. This earned him the respect of everyone who dealt with him. You never heard a bad word spoken about Kevin.

On a personal level, Kevin was excellent company. A highly intelligent person, he had a cheeky sense of humour and was someone with whom it was impossible not to get along.

His life centred around his family, who he loved dearly, and on the professional practice he so proudly built with the dedication and passion that characterised the ethic to which he subscribed.

Kevin could only do things in one way – properly, and this was so clear to everyone who knew him.

While offering our deepest condolences to his wife Nicky, his two sons Kurt and Ryan, his parents and all his family, we assure them that Kevin’s memory will live on fondly with all those who knew him and with all the institute’s members, particularly those council members who had the honour of working closely with him over the years.

Kevin will not be forgotten.