Catalina owner Michael McMahon dies aged 66
One of Sydney’s most respected restauranteurs has passed away following heart complications.
Catalina owner Michael McMahon died aged 66 at his family’s Double Bay home.
“The family remember Michael McMahon as a charismatic and spirited man,” McMahon’s family said in a statement.
“He was opinionated, bombastic and generous to a fault. He LOVED his friends and family.
“For much of their lives, he was the centre of a vibrant social life, but the deterioration of his health over the last decade meant that he had to bid farewell to many of the things that gave him pleasure, like sailing and sharing a great bottle.
“Catalina and his family, however, were his constants, and he remained obsessed with his beautiful creation till his final hours.
“Judy, Paul, James and Kate had been with him during the day. He had battled with his health for many years, but in particular, over the last four years. However, he always pulled through, he was very strong.”
McMahon and his wife Judy had run the Rose Bay institution for the last 25 years, turning it into a staple for both Sydneysiders and visiting celebrities.
Chefs Luke Mangan, Neil Perry and Matt Moran were among many in the hospitality industry who expressed their sorrow at the news.
“He was an incredible addition to our industry and, not just a Sydney venue, that they maintained and kept to a high standard for such a long time,” Mangan told The Daily Telegraph. “We’ve lost another great.”
Sheridan Randall, 30th April 200
