Mal lost his courageous battle with cancer on the morning of Aug. 23, 2012, in the arms of the love of his life, Betty, and holding the hand of his nephew, Don.
One of a family of 12 children, he was born in Nipawin, Saskatchewan, Canada, on April 22, 1933. The entire family immigrated to Vancouver, B.C. in 1934, 14 of them with all their belongings in a Model T Ford. Although orphaned at the age of 12, Malcolm graduated from high school with honors before serving in the Canadian Armed Forces as an office administrator in the Air Force. A resident of Penticton for many years, he was the founder of a number of successful businesses, and the father of two girls, Pam and Sandra. After marrying his soul mate, Betty, in 1980, they began their life together in Salmon Arm, then managed motels and campgrounds in South Penticton. In 1982, Betty and Malcolm owned and operated t
he duty free liquor store at the border in Oroville. Malcolm retired in 1992, and he and Betty enjoyed their “snowbird” status, traveling south for the winters and enjoying the glorious Oroville summers. Malcolm found the Lord and was an active member of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Oroville, and was a fixture at the Oroville Farmer’s Market, where customers lined up at his booth to buy the best tomatoes for miles around.
Malcolm was predeceased by brothers: Bert (Vancouver, BC), Norman (Salmon Arm), Wally (Chilliwack), Bob (Salmon Arm); sisters: Gladys (Kamloops) and Edith (Salmon Arm); and son, Jerry (Nashville, TN).
He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Betty; brother, Stan (Sidney, BC); daughters: Cheryl, Pam and Sandra; and sons: Randy, Jim and Steve; numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
The family thanks Malcolm’s doctors for their exemplary care during his battle, and sends deepest heartfelt thanks to Malcolm’s friends for their support: John Desjardins, who visited Malcolm at least once every single day for the last year and attempted to beat Malcolm at crib; Jim Prince for his weekly crib games; Vince Clark, who also visited above and beyond the call of duty; Eric Stiles, who labored with Vince to build a ramp to give Malcolm wheelchair access; and Marcia Butchart from Hospice Care Services, who visited Malcolm and sang his favorite hymns; and many others too numerous to mention.
Services took place at the Immaculate Conception Parish in Oroville on Monday, Aug. 27 at 2 p.m. A reception followed.
Bergh Funeral Service of Oroville/Tonasket in care of arrangements.
