Malcolm, a leading light in Littlehampton’s dramatics and sport, dies aged 80

Malcolm, of Parkside Avenue, Littlehampton, has been described as a “significant sporting figure” in the town, having led the cricket team for several seasons, as well as being goalkeeper for the Littlehampton Hockey Club.

But he was also a shining light in the town’s theatre scene, having served as chairman of the now-defunct Littlehampton Amateur Dramatics Society for more than 40 years, during which time he had performed in countless productions.

Long-time Littlehampton friend Peter Algar said: “I had gone to school with Malcolm but only really became close friends with him in the 1970s when I meet him at the Littlehampton Amateur Dramatics Society.

“He had a great sense of humour and always had a story to tell. He was a bit of a raconteur and was a very gregarious man.

“He liked to be surrounded by people and was always the last person to leave a party.

“Malcolm was a very kind and caring man and was a friend to all.”

Born in Gillingham, Kent, in March, 1933, Malcolm moved to Littlehampton as a child when his father, William, was appointed to a senior position with the Lloyds Banking Group.

During his younger years, he was a pupil at the now-closed Furzedown Preparatory School, in Claigmar Road, Rustington, and stayed with the school when it moved to Fitzalan Road. He later studied at Dorset House School before becoming a boarding student at Cranleigh School, in Surrey.

After leaving school, Malcolm studied a land management course in London, before joining the Royal Engineers during his National Service.

He served in Cyprus, Aden and Kenya and eventually retired as a major. Later, he worked in Chichester as a chartered quantity surveyor.

Ten years ago Malcolm married his wife Doreen. Although he had no children of his own, he was devoted to Doreen’s five grandchildren.

He also volunteered for Voice of Progress, the Rustington-based talking newspaper for the blind, and had been treasurer of the Littlehampton Bridge Club.

His funeral was held at Worthing Crematorium, last month.