Tributes paid to SELECT colleague Malcolm
SELECT colleagues have paid tribute to Training and Development Adviser Malcolm Duncan, who passed away this week.
The association has also extended its deepest sympathies to the family of the experienced technical expert, who died on Wednesday 12 January, aged 66.
Alan Wilson, Managing Director, said: “Malcolm was a hugely popular colleague who was universally well-liked and respected by everyone at SELECT and throughout the UK electrical industry.
“During three decades at the association, he brought calm professionalism, a wealth of knowledge and, above all, good humour to everything he did. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.”
Bob Cairney, Director of Technical Services, added: “Like everyone at SELECT, I am devastated at this news. Malcolm wasn’t just a colleague, he was a close friend and someone whose company I enjoyed enormously. He was an exceptional electrical engineer but more than that, he was an exceptional person who was always happy to offer help and advice when it was needed.”
Training Manager Jenny Cryans said: “Malcom was instrumental in building and developing the training department and enjoyed nothing more than meeting people as he delivered courses the length and breadth of Scotland. His sessions were always incredibly popular and he had a great rapport with Members and the public alike. He was a true one-off.”
SELECT President Donald W Orr added: “I am heartbroken to hear of Malcolm’s passing and, on behalf of SELECT, would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his family. It was always a real pleasure to be in his company and, like others, I will miss the sparkle in his eye and his well-renowned humour.”
Malcom, who lived in Lochgelly, Fife, joined SELECT in October 1993 as a Technical Officer and worked in a variety of technical and training roles during his 29 years with the association.
In recent years, he oversaw the assessment and successful renewal of SELECT’s inspection accreditation with the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). He was due to retire on 14 January.
Fiona Harper, Director of Employment & Skills, said: “Malcolm trained hundreds of electrical operatives during his time at SELECT and made many friends across the industry. I’m sure they, like us, will be extremely sad to hear of his passing.”
John McGhee, Director of Finance & Operations and Association Secretary, added: “Malcolm was passionate about the electrical industry and passed on that passion to those who attended his training courses. He leaves behind a lasting legacy and will never be forgotten by those who knew him.”
Iain Mason, Director of Membership & Communications at SELECT, said: “Malcom was a true character who was a pleasure to work with and get to know. Always ready with one of his famous jokes, his enthusiasm and friendliness made him extremely popular and The Walled Garden will not be the same without him.”
Away from work, Malcolm enjoyed hillwalking and spending time at his holiday home in St Andrews. He is survived by his wife, two daughters and four grandchildren.