'Sadness is short-lived, it will pass in time, it's the memories that matter the most and live the longest within each of us.' 

My dad, Malcolm was a man of integrity, with the kindest soul, a true gentleman and a genuine friend to all that knew him. Selfless to a fault, Mal lived for his family; our lives and achievements meant more to him than his own. Never wishing to be the centre of attention, his quiet and often reserved demeanour was in many ways one of his greatest attributes, as once you'd had the good fortune to get to know him, you would have gained a friend for life. Never quick to judge, a great listener and above all, in the words of so many, 'the nicest man you could ever meet'. His smile, unassuming charm and sense of humour was loved by everyone. 

He had incredible work ethic, a true believer that you only get out of life what you're prepared to put in it,  but he also knew the huge importance of down time, to make time for family, friends and yourself; something our family have always tried to emulate.

In 2019, dad was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis, a progressive lung disease for which there is no cure. Regardless, he continued to love life regardless of what would be the inevitable result, though we never really dwelled on this, 'no point worrying about it' dad would say to me, maybe just for my benefit, but he coped and went about things as best he could.

He and my mum, Barbara, had an amazing marriage and relationship, they were 'best of mates'. Through ups and downs, they always managed to come out on top. Together they shaped our family to what we are today. They had their little moments and funny arguments that the whole family would always laugh about, usually ending with mum saying, 'erm Malcolm excuse me, you know he just doesn't listen!' Together they were fashionably late for most things, clearly blaming each other, dad would always whisper to us later that it was mum's fault; mum obviously did the same, too funny. We know dad just let mum win, he was far too laid back to worry about it.

Close to his 84th birthday, Mal became unwell with a gallbladder issue and whilst in many ways not related to PF, the strain on him started to show and eventually admitted to hospital. He was increasingly breathless and needed his oxygen more frequently. But he was strong and started to overcome the gallbladder issue, determined to get back home, which he did.  

Sadly, dad's health did deteriorate, very noticeable to us all but he was home where he wanted to be with Babs.

19 May 2022, his heart smiled one last time at home with Barbara just short of their 60th wedding anniversary.

We are lucky in so many ways, dad didn't suffer. Nobody wants to see a loved one suffer with a prolong illness, that's more heartbreaking. 

Our decision to ask for donations to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust was an easy choice and sure Mal would have agreed, although they probably would have argued over whose idea it was, haha, still makes us smile and giggle! 

To dad, grandad, Mal, Malcolm, however you knew him, just a top bloke from a very rare mould. x