A staunch supporter of the Watford community who was “the epitome of an old-school gentleman” and possessed an easy charm and generosity has died at the age of 83.
Dr Malcolm Jones was President of Watford Rotary on three occasions and will always be remembered for his fundraising activities as Father Christmas - or Grandpa Christmas to his grandson Jowan – on the Rotary Christmas float and their annual collections throughout the town, as well as for local schools and community groups.
He was also honoured to become the first male mayor’s consort when his wife, Sheila, became Watford civic mayor in 2003, escorting her through her duties during the year.
His son, Simon, said: “He was hugely regarded within the community and so well loved by everyone he came into contact with. He was the epitome of an old-school gentleman, always considerate for other people and being very careful with their feelings.
“Even over the last year when his health was failing he would make sure to visit friends who had their own health worries such as dementia or recovering from a stroke and putting their needs first.
“He also had a wry sense of humour and had an anecdote for pretty much any occasion. So many of the messages I receive mention kindness, wisdom and, time-and-again, gentleman.”
Malcolm David Jones was born in Cornwall in 1940, the son of a farmer on the Lizard Peninsular. Educated at Helston Grammar School, Malcolm was the first of his family to attend university, having obtained a scholarship to study Physics at Southampton University, where he obtained a BSc and a PhD.
Malcolm married Sheila in 1967 and they moved to Garston a year later. They were proud to call Watford their home throughout the rest of their lives and immersed themselves into the community.
Dr Jones worked in the defence industry for more than 30 years. Upon retirement, he became more heavily involved within local activities. He became a huge supporter of Watford charity DRUM and joined The Rotary Club of Watford. He played a major role in Rotary over the next 18 years until shortly before his death.
He was particularly interested in Rotary activities that promoted opportunities for youth, such as the Rotary Technology Tournament, Young Chefs and Youth Speaks initiatives.
True to his Cornish heritage, he actively promoted the Shelterbox disaster relief charity, which was founded in Helston, in conjunction with their local Rotary group.
Malcolm was President of Watford Rotary three times and received the Paul Harris and Paul Harris Sapphire awards for his service.
Centennial President of Watford Rotary and friend Michael Hammond said: “As one of Watford Rotary’s longest serving members, I enjoyed Malcolm’s company.
"A softly spoken West Country accent was rarely raised in anger, but when roused he would always clearly make his point and ensure that what was possibly not in agreement with all our members' opinions, they would properly understand his points of view.
“Malcolm was one of our most loyal and involved Watford Rotarians. As a former Rotary President, he was always aware and concerned for the residents of Watford and S.W. Herts, for their well-being and their interests; and ready to help the club with its various commitments. Even as he suffered age-related physical ailments, he would help, even as a carefully disguised Father Xmas on our Xmas Float.
“Malcolm was a pillar of our club and will be very much missed by all.”
Dr Jones was a proud Cornishman and always stayed close to his roots. He maintained many friends and family in the area and spent much of his later life researching his family history and of the local estates where he grew up. This included researching his ancestors, who were in the Cornish mining industry, and their work in the early Brazilian gold mines. He also made two trips to Brazil to visit his ancestral homes there.
Malcolm was a deeply spiritual man, having been brought up a Methodist in Cornwall and becoming a Catholic in later life in Watford, in line with his wife. He was active in both church communities.
The couple had two children - Simon and Sarah. Malcolm treasured family life above everything else. Malcolm and Sheila were the closest of allies until her death in 2015.
He loved spending time with Sarah, her husband John and their son Jowan, in Watford, and with Simon and his wife Chelle in Hampshire, and he was immensely proud of all their achievements.
He also made friends wherever he went, with an easy charm and generosity that will mean that he will be sorely missed by many people throughout the community.
Malcolm became seriously ill in December 2022 and struggled to regain health after that. He died on Friday, March 22, aged 83, in Watford General Hospital after complications arising from pneumonia.
His funeral will take place on Wednesday, April 3 at 11am. Contact M.K. Ginder and Sons on 01923 893372 for further details.
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