Expat creative Fintan Kerrigan dies in Vietnam
Aussie expat creative Fintan Kerrigan tragically died in Vietnam yesterday. Fintan (pictured) worked at GPY&R in Brisbane as a senior AD until a year ago when he took the ECD role at DDB in Saigon.
According to friend Pete Watman Kerrigan became ill about two weeks ago, checked himself into hospital and succumbed to a combination of pneumonia, a secondary infection and swine flu.
“Fintan was known and liked by a lot of people in Sydney and Melbourne and I’m sure those who haven’t heard would appreciate getting the news sooner rather than later.
“David Evans at GPYR Brisbane, a close friend of Fintan’s, is helping make arrangements for his return/funeral/wake and would be the person to talk to if you need greater details.
“He will be terribly missed,” says Watman.
Prior to GPY&R, Brisbane, Kerrigan had stints at BBDO, M&C Saatchi and OgilvyOne. He served on the AWARD committee in 2007/2008, in charge of the Brisbane AWARD School.
18 Comments
Fintan and Mike , gave me my first break , that’s the sort guy he was always looking to help new people get a go at some good creative. He was about integrity in the work and having a beer and a laugh…… May they have super large pints in the promised land — if not, you’ll track them down FInty … we miss you …
Jack W
Fintan
You will be missed. I can’t believe this news – it is too shocking. I remember talking to you when you first went to vietnam and you were having an absolute ball – loving the whole experience, and in the ddb stable too. you leave many many friends behind, and along with your family they love you dearly. so quick. so much of an unfair world. you have a great heart.
june
Fintan was a top bloke, I only worked with him for a few months but he was welcoming, warm and generous…plus every DM piece he did featured the renowned 4-way “Fintan fold”.
What a waste of a lovely person.
Sorry to see you go mate
Simon E
Finty
I was shocked when told yesterday of the tragic loss. You will be missed by many here in Brissy.
Tezza
Finty – you were the first creative that truly taught me what it meant to stand by your beliefs and in what you created. If not for you I wouldn’t be the person I am today. I can’t believe that you won’t be around.
I’ll miss you heaps.
Bear.
Bloody awful news. Fintan made me laugh all day, every day we worked together.
Christine
Terrible news.
I am truly sorry and feel for his family and close friends.
He was a big barrel of fun that one.
Rich.
This is such sad news. I can’t believe there’ll be no more chats about his favourite bands and the best album covers of all time. I will always remember the kind things Finty did for me as a young creative, and the way in which he did them. This is a huge loss for his family and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Finty, I hope you’re hanging out with “musical-greats” my friend. I’ll miss you.
The only guy I ever knew that had seen Joy Division in concert. The man had stories that made me as jealous as hell, laugh like hell and drink like hell. I was also helped along as a young creative by Finty, and I still to this day use his advise in what I do.
Thank you for everything Finty. Here’s cheers to everything you stood for and what you did.
I’ve just had the news that Fintan’s body was cremated in Vietnam (due to quarantine issues I imagine) and that there will be a small service and a fucking huge wake next week. I’ll post more as soon as I hear anything. Watto
Oh man, this is such sad news. Great bloke. Loved working with him at Clems, and judging with him at ADMA. He’ll be sorely missed.
Pete, if there are any plans to do anything in Sydney, be sure to let us know.
I knew Fintan almost 30 years ago in Dublin. There was a whole crew of us, all into punk & having a blast. I have very fond memories of him & we were room mates in London for a while. Under the Jack the Lad persona was a kind, generous & compassionate man. He helped me a lot in his time & we reconnected via FaceBook recently. He was a great guy, & the world is a poorer place without him.
Hi guys thankyou very much for all your kind sentiments. He was a great man. We are looking at having a service in Brisbane on the 31st of October. Please get in touch for further details either 0407749042 or liam_kerrigan_kezza@hotmail.com
Ah for Godsakes! Why does it have to be the good guys? Fintan, you were a gentleman who didn’t need to intimidate or impress people to get the best out them. You just used your humour, your intelligence and your innate sense of good manners. You were a top man and an example to the rest of us how you can exist in this business and remain a decent person. Vale.
I knew Fintan 30 years ago in Dublin, met him again in Brissie in ’93 accidently and re-connecteded recently on facebook. I can only say that the people I have told here in Dublin are truely devastated. RIP Finty, you still owe me for a few schooners on St Pats day in Bris in ’94.
I’ve just been told the news and am both dropped and devastated.
Fintan was one of the true great blokes in the world and will be sorely missed. My friendship with him started 1994ish whilst managing a Restaurant in Mary St, Brisvegas which was ‘the local’ for Mojo Advertising’s creative department.
Fintan was a breath of fresh air everyday he walked in and that was every day. Such fun and many late night conversations/laughs were had. For me those memories will never be lost. Here’s cheers me ol mate and may the heavens rain Guiness.
Tony.
I knew Fintan in Dublin in the 70s! He edited a punk fanzine called Liggin’ under the pseudonym Bic Biro and I shared a flat with him on Fitzwilliam Street in the early 80s. He was a much-loved bloke and is still well remembered and missed around the old town.
Fintan was a most kind and decent man, I can never listen to the Smiths without thinking of him. We went to see the Sisters of mercy in the Royal Albert hall together. What a night. He was a great dancer, seriously, and very talented graphic designer before such a person existed. We lived 4 up in London in the 80’s, a true gent, he would have loved this as much as I do… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2QqxgYymfc
See you in the, pub, I can no longer remember the name of, but it was the pub, Fintan.
Swine flu…. Are you mental??
Robert0