Andrew Findlay’s partner speaks out after body was found in Sydney harbor after boating accident with Tim Klingender
- Andrew Findlay was a passionate fisherman
- Streaming birthday tribute from widow
- Laid to rest to celebrate life
The partner of Sydney tech entrepreneur Andrew Findlay, who died in a tragic boating accident, has broken her silence over what would have been her late husband’s 52nd birthday.
Findlay’s body was recovered a week after he went missing following the July 27 boating accidentwho also claimed the life of leading indigenous art dealer Tim Klingender – whose body was found naked except for his socks.
Police revealed neither were wearing life jackets when their 7.8m inflatable boat was wrecked by 5m waves off the coast of Bondi, with debris from the boat found near The Gap.
Rescuers believe the boat struck a treacherous hidden underwater rock ledge while being pounded by the massive surf.
On Tuesday, partner Lakshi Pillai shared a heartfelt tribute to her partner.
Congratulations on the BEST. I miss you so much,” the mother-of-two shared on Instagram alongside a photo of the couple.
Mrs. Pillai owns an upscale clothing store on Woollahra’s Queen Street in Sydney’s east, specializing in luxury linen skirts, dresses and trousers.
Lakshmi Pillai (pictured) broke her silence over what would have been her late husband’s 52nd birthday
Andrew Findlay shared three children with his ex-partner Lizzie Kemp
The post was flooded with tributes and messages of condolence from the fashion and art community, including Rush Editor Jessica Blanch, actress Erika Haynatz, and Julie Stevanja, CEO and founder of e-commerce platform Stylerunner.
Findlay shared three children with his former partner Lizzie Kemp, who was once married to cricketing legend Brett Lee.
A funeral was held for him last week at St Joseph’s College, located on Sydney’s lower north coast. Friends and family gathered to attend the service.
“Mass of Thanksgiving to celebrate the spectacular, if too short, life of the charismatic, smart, charming, creative, curious and unique Andrew,” read a funeral notice.
His death took place several months after Mrs. Pillai had already lost her father.
In a touching Instagram post, she said he is now “united with the ocean.”
“In your favorite chair and with your shirt on – I love you daddy,” she wrote.
Now one with the ocean and on to your next journey. Everyone dies but not everyone lives and you lived in the moment and saw the beauty of life.
“Something I will always cherish.”
The life of Tim Klingender (pictured) was celebrated earlier this month at a memorial in Bondi Pavillion