(Andrew) Malcolm McPherson, age 91, died on Sunday, November 14, 2021, at the Headwaters Health Care Centre, Orangeville. Malcolm was predeceased by his wife Betty (2018). Malcolm was born in Verdun, Quebec on August 15, 1930. Malcolm worked in business at a number of companies throughout Toronto during his lucrative career as an operations manager. However, one of Malcolm’s biggest passions was music. It was his love of music which brought him and his wife of 67 years together – Malcolm as a clarinet player and Betty his accompanist on piano. If Malcolm had had his way, he would have pursued music as a career. In his day, Malcolm was an awesome accordion and clarinet player, and later taught himself musical theory and saxophone. He belonged to a number of bands throughout his musical career which filled his heart.
Malcolm was the loving father of Raymond (Guitar), Elaine (Kevin), Robert (Milo), Betty Ann (Nancy); grandfather of Jesse (Tina), Kerstin, Marisa, Andrew (Joanna), Ariel, Dale (Julia), Hayley (Jason), and Robin (deceased); great-grandfather of Skyelin, Enthea, Bridget, Desmond, Autumn, Mason, Tyson, and Ethan. Malcolm was predeceased by his wife Betty of 67 years, by his sister Heather, and his granddaughter Robin. It was Malcolm’s wish to be cremated. He will be interred in the Caledon East Cemetery, at a later date, alongside his wife, sister, and his parents Annie and Alan McPherson.
The family extends their gratitude to the staff at the Avalon Retirement Home and the staff at Headwaters Health Care Centre ~ we are grateful for your loving care of our father/grandfather.
The family will receive their friends at the Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street S. (Hwy. 50), Bolton (905-857-2213) on Saturday morning, November 27 from 10 o’clock until time of memorial service in the chapel at 11 o’clock. Please click the link to register to attend.
The family invites those who wish to view the service to do so through live streaming at
https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=094e5ac5-659e-4fe0-82f8-e52d087ab685
You will be required to register for the service and then they will immediately send you an email with the actual link to the service. Please check your junk or spam inbox if you don’t receive the email with the actual link. If you experience any issues or have questions in regards to the live streaming, please feel free to contact Forget Me Not Ceremonies at 1-877-895-2739. If you need to leave a message on their answering machine, they will return your call promptly.
If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Ontario or Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Carol May McCarthy
To The Family
Starting sixty seven years ago, I have only fond, fun, happy, sometimes hilarious, memories of Malcolm.
Dear Malcolm, regarding your life, I hope, once again, your “sufficiency has been suffonsified and any more would be superfluous.” Peace to you, and to all your family. Cousin, Carol May McCarthy.
Joanne Davis
We were saddened to hear of the passing of Mal. He and Betty were active members of our congregation at Caledon East United Church, taking on many roles over the years. Mal was often seen jogging the streets of Caledon East even into his senior years. May you rest in peace Mal.
Enzo and Gaye Villa
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Mal. He and Betty were active members of Caledon East United Church and the Caledon East music community. I always enjoyed meeting up with Mal as he jogged or walked through the local streets. Mal will be missed by so many. Our sincere condolences to Mal’s family.
Sandi Belford
I’m so sorry about the loss of your Dad. What a wonderful life he had. God bless you all.
Dorothy Mazeau
Mal was a dear man! He always credited Betty with raising such wonderful kids, but I am sure he had a lot to do with it! It was heartening to see the care you all took of him during his days at Avalon. He was clearly surrounded by love. I’m glad I has a chance to meet so many family members at New Years “pre-Covid.” My heart goes out to you all!
Sincerely,
Dorothy
warren mccarthy
My condolences to all in the McPherson clan.
A long full life, and a natural event, but still poignant.
Good Mal memories for me;
– he took me fishing when I was a small kid – overnight cabin & a rental motorboat!
– music playing nights at my parents’ house,
– campfire fun at cottage reunions,
– his great laugh at his own corny jokes,
& more.
Warren
David Finch
I met Mel when he and I were playing together in a small ensemble. He was a great mentor and friend. He will be much missed.
I am sure he is playing some great tunes for the heavenly host!
Stephanie Lattanzio
I had the privilege of playing saxophone with Mal in the Caledon Concert Band for several years. He was such a talented, sweet man. I was always grateful when he was at practice because I knew I could follow him and make less mistakes!! Haha! 🙂
My favourite memory of him playing is when he would do one of the solos when we would play “The Saints”. He was AWESOME!! 🙂 It was so nice seeing Betty and the many other McPherson clan members who came out to support the band over the years.
He truly loved his wife and family so much and I feel like I know you all because he’d talk about you all of the time. From how he and Betty met, how Heather was upset when her big brother moved out, about all of his children’s successes and his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was such a wonderful man and I feel blessed to have been able to share the joy of music with him. He reminded so much of my own grandfather too!
Even my father-in-law has some fond memories of working with Malcolm in the 80s when he supplied equipment to him while Malcolm was working at York. Mal and I made that connection during one of our chats. What a small world!
My sincerest thoughts and condolences to the entire family. You had a wonderful patriarch who will now continue to watch over you all from above with his beloved Betty.
Donald (and Sandra) McPherson
Mal and I were first cousins. He came to the US several times when we both were young and I lived on South Lake Shore In Euclid, OH. At that time, we had a picnic area where he and I would talk. There was a large garden and ev en a tennis court on the lot next door that we enjoyed. In later years, my wife Sandra and I frequently stayed at Mal and Betty’s home on the way to Algonquin Park. Several times, Sandra’s grandmother came north with us and she also enjoyed the hospitality of the McPherson’s. We remember the above ground pool in Mal and Betty’s back yard where we swam and enjoyed ourselves. I remember also on one of our visits I went with Mal and played clarinet with him in his band. As we shared with Elaine on our recent phone call, the latest addition to the association of Malcolm (also my middle name) and the clarinet is continuing: our grandson Malcolm McPherson is an accomplished musician and clarinet is his primary instrument.
Darlene NElson
To the McPherson Family,
I was very saddened to hear of the passing of your father and grandfather Mal. Mr McPherson always had time for a chat, and it was always interesting. He truly loved his family and revelled in providing me with the latest family updates. He was a kind neighbour to me as a child growing up. My heart goes to you all – my most sincere condolences.
Eve McPherson
We so enjoyed the time we spent with Mal and Betty on our way to Turkey in 2012. They were gracious hosts and wonderful company. (And exceedingly patient with our then 2 and 5 year old sons!).
Our older son, also a Malcolm, is, interestingly enough, also a clarinetist, taking after both his grandfather Donald McPherson and Mal McPherson. I’m not sure he will pursue it in the same way as Mal did, but he does absolutely love it and is an enthusiastic member of several high school ensembles and even dabbled with some Klezmer. It’s such a wonderful thing to see how families have these connections.
We are sorry that we have been unable to cross the border and to visit in person in recent years. It is a keen regret.
Our sincere condolences. Mal will be missed very much.
The McPherson and Donnelly Family
(Eve McPherson, Jeffrey Donnelly, Malcolm McPherson, and Fergus Donnelly)
Wendy Smith-Bilton & family
We are saddened to hear of Mal’s passing. My family was fortunate to live next door to Mal & Betty for 25 years in Caledon East. He was such a kind, caring man who was always willing to lend a hand and took great pride in their home. We always enjoyed listening to him practicing his saxophone daily. May you find comfort knowing Mal is with Betty now where they’re entertaining others with their musical talents & stories about their loving family. RIP Mal.
Steve Dunn
I am sorry to hear of Mal’s passing. I had the pleasure of knowing him through the Caledon Concert Band for many years. Rest in peace, Mal, and my condolences to his loved ones.
Andrea Stipetic
My condolences to the whole family. It was a pleasure to play in the Caledon Band with him. And seeing Betty come and support him. Mail will be missed. But he will be thought of often.
Michelle Kotrly
Mal’s passing is a real milestone in the history of Caledon Concert Band. As many years back as I can remember, Mal was always there, a true band icon. May his loved ones know what a strong presence Mal was, and that he will be sorely missed. Play on, Mal, wherever you are now!
From Michelle Kotrly, French horn
Maureen Schoonbaert
Sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers to the entire family. Mal was a longtime valued member of Caledon Concert Band – as many have said – it is obvious his memory & legacy will live on….Rest in peace Mal.
Steve Anderson
I first met Malcolm many years ago at York Borg Warner. He was a gentle man with a very bright mind. Years later we would meet periodically, he having entered the natural gas as an auto fuel industry and me at either Crothers or Aurora Quarrying. He was always glad to see you and appreciated that I remembered him when we met on the street.