Malcolm John Mackenzie –Wilson was born on 30th December 1933 in Stone in Kent to parents Raven, a Machinist and Engineer, and Daisy, a Housewife and war factory worker. He was a younger brother to Raven and became an older brother to Eric. His early years were spent in Kent and in 1941, at the age of 9, he moved with his family to Swindon; their relocation as a result of losing their home for the second time in a German bombing raid and Raven’s war job with Short Brothers being relocated to Swindon by the Government. They lived in Moredon in Swindon and Malcolm attended school in Ferndale and Pinehurst. Malcolm had a mischievous sense of humour and by his own admission no one would mess with him. Malcolm enjoyed school he was a very intelligent young man, well behaved and very well-liked by teachers and students alike. He was always keen to help others and was made a prefect. Malcolm was a keen sportsman and he also discovered his natural ability as a mathematician and problem solver, skills that he would use his entire life. When he left school he undertook an apprenticeship at Vickers Armstrong. Malcolm also worked at the Grove Facility, linked to Harwell Laboratories, where he undertook precise work to interpret technical plans and design and manufacture tools for handling isotopes for the medical industry. In 1952, Malcolm was conscripted into the Army and posted to Egypt for the two years of his service. He served in the Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers (REME) where he learnt more about making and repairing machines. He was proud to have served in the REME, nicknamed ‘The Creamy’, and later received medals for his service. Malcolm looked back at this time of life in two ways; on one side he didn’t like the Army lifestyle and was desperately homesick, while on the other he enjoyed the mischief he used to get up to with his friends. After returning from Egypt, Malcolm found work in Swindon at both Plessey Semiconductors and Metal Box. During this time he developed a tremendous knowledge of making metal tools along with mechanical engineering and electronics, which was extremely valuable during Swindon’s expansion throughout the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. Malcolm honed his skills to become a specialist tool maker and engineer when he was employed for more than 20 years at Deloro Stellite; a global provider of advanced, metal-based wear solutions. It was whilst working at Deloro Stellite that Malcolm met Joan, as she worked as copy typist in the company’s office. Joan told me that Malcolm was 11 years older than her and it was his work mates encouraging Malcolm to chat her up that brought them together. There was an immediate attraction between them and they married in 1973 after a year of being together. In August 2013 they celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary, a great achievement. They started their family in 1976 when Joan gave birth to Angela, in 1978 Robert was born and Susie their third child was born in 1983. Malcolm doted on his young family, which created a close bond between them all. In the year 2000, Denise, Malcolm’s daughter from a previous relationship long before he met Joan, made contact and was warmly accepted by the whole family. Malcolm’s final job was at Sauer Sundstand, now Sauer Danfoss, who are worldwide leaders in the design, manufacture and sale of engineered hydraulic systems and components. Malcolm had many offers of promotion during his working life but he turned them down because he was content with doing a job he enjoyed and spending the rest of his time with his family. At work he was a strong Union man and shop steward, fighting for the rights of working people; at home he was a staunch Labour supporter, assisting with local elections whenever he could. Robert recalls having many political debates with his dad and being guided over the years by his clear sense of social fairness and justice. Towards the end of his career Malcolm regularly worked nights and one night he climbed up onto a machine unaided, where there were no safety precautions, to do some maintenance. He lost his footing and fell backwards onto the floor – Angela told me Malcolm thought he was going to hit his head, so twisted his body to prevent that and instead landed on his left foot shattering the heel bone. When he was hospitalised tests revealed he had an irregular heartbeat so the surgeons were unable to insert metal plates to fix the heel. Instead it was left to heal itself which lead to the foot swelling for years afterwards. Malcolm never returned to work and was retired on health grounds after the accident. He spent his retirement continuing to fix anything and everything around the house. When the children were young he would involve them in the jobs teaching them practical skills and encouraging them to use them. He was incredibly patient and very precise not minding how long it took he really enjoyed sharing his knowledge with his children.