Obituary for Malcolm McEwen
(May 18, 1946 to June 27, 2021)
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Malcolm Lawrence McEwen. After a valiant month-long battle to recover from a heart attack, he peacefully slipped away in the early hours of June 27, 2021.
Malcolm is predeceased by his parents, Charles & Ethel McEwen, and older brother, Michael McEwen. He is survived by his sister, Joanne (Robert) Lefebvre, Ottawa, ON; his brother, David (Donna) McEwen, Iroquois Falls, ON; and his sister-in-law, Huguette McEwen, formerly of Squamish, BC. Nieces & nephews – Roxanne (David Wingert) Lefebvre, David Lefebvre, Matthew and Michelle McEwen, Andrew Swartz and Kathryn (Swartz) Renaud; and grand niece & nephew - Nicole & Jacob Anderson. Along with his many friends that also were like family to him (his Lions Club brothers and sisters).
Although born in Nottingham, England in 1946, Malcolm grew up in the small mill town of Iroquois Falls in northern Ontario. In 1974, he and his brother, Michael, made the trek west, across the country, where they landed in Squamish. Little did Malcolm know this would be the place he'd called his "forever home". Much of his work career was spent as a machinist at BC Rail; and then as a park ranger at Alice Lake Provincial Park until his retirement.
Although he was a shy, private man, he spread his wings when he joined the Squamish Lions Club in March 1994. Through his more than 27 years of community service with the Lions, he forged many lifelong friendships. He was actively involved volunteering with the Squamish Food Bank/Helping Hands; crafted handmade wooden toys that he donated for kids at Christmas through the Community Christmas Care; and he spent time supporting Big Brothers Sea to Sky Corridor. You could always find him slinging breakfast or a baron of beef burger for the Squamish Loggers Sports Days. He also spent countless hours at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park & at the Lion's Easter Seal Camp (a place which he loved!)......and the list goes on.
To those who knew him, Malcolm was a man of few words but he definitely spoke volumes with his actions. He was patient, thoughtful and quiet in his leadership.....always ready to lend a hand or provide guidance. He was passionate and faithful in giving back to his community. His efforts and dedication, although great, were exceedingly modest. And as one of his fellow Lions described him "he was a Lion's Lion". He has left his mark on the community that he loved. His absence will be very apparent and he will be missed immensely.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Malcolm's name or in the name of the Squamish Lions Club to the Squamish Food Bank/Helping Hands https://squamishfood.ca/; and or to Squamish Community Christmas Care https://communitychristmascare.com/; and or to the West Coast Railway Heritage Park https://www.wcra.org/donate/. It is only fitting that his kindness in action carries forward long after his passing.....as this, too, will be his way of mentoring all of us to continue to give back to make our community better.