Malcolm Arthur Harrison

Born in Cardiff, Wales, Malcolm was the only child of Cecil Harrison of the Royal Navy. During World War II, Cecil was lost at sea and presumed dead when Malcolm was only five years old. After the war, Cecil’s remains were buried in Vire, France, at the British War Cemetery. Malcolm’s mother, Eileen Barney, later married George Harris, who had two children, Anthony and June. Malcolm went from being an only child to one of five after the births of David and Gillian. At age 14, Malcolm spent four years in a tuberculosis hospital in Wales. He later trained as a metallurgist and emigrated to South Africa with his first wife and baby daughter, Ceri. His second daughter, Liesje, was born in South Africa.

In South Africa, Malcolm developed an interest in computer science and began his career loading data cards. Malcolm was offered a position in Edmonton with Control Data Canada. He became a Canadian citizen by an Order in Council shortly after his arrival. Being a proud Welshman, he loved rugby and singing. He played rugby wherever he lived and joined men’s choirs in Cape Town, Toronto, Ottawa, and Edmonton. He also sang for 14 years with the Edmonton Men’s Ukrainian Choir as the only non-Ukrainian member and cherished every minute of it. A tour of Ukraine was one of his fondest memories.

In 1974, Malcolm met his wife, Marlene Bertrand, at a rugby party in Edmonton. They were married in L’Orignal, Ontario, on December 20, 1976, and went on to have three sons: Scott, Mark, and Aaron. Malcolm is survived by 12 grandchildren: Brooke, Isabelle, David, Trevor, Evelyn, Claire, Evan, Khloe, Heinreich, Roald, Lena, Anders, and Maja - living across the world including South Africa, Chicago, Vancouver, and Edmonton.

Malcolm was exceptionally intelligent. He loved classical music, cryptic crossword puzzles, and nearly every sport except basketball. Unbeatable at Trivial Pursuit, he was described by his sons as “the most unselfish person they had ever met”— patient, kind, and deeply loved by all who knew him. A true gentleman, he had a passion for travel and meeting people. Malcolm and Marlene explored the world together from across Canada and the U.K. to Whitehorse, Dubai, Cardiff, Australia, New Zealand, and two Tahitian cruises. They were in Tenerife on the eve of the COVID-19 restrictions.

While undergoing rehabilitation for his painful back at the Glenrose hospital, Malcolm broke his hip. This began a series of hospitalizations and ongoing homecare. The family is deeply grateful for the excellent care provided by Southeast Home Care (AHS) and the Bayshore agency. Special thanks go to Dr. Ashley Dhawan, Case Manager Susan Nguyen, RN, and all the Bayshore staff especially Lori, Kennedy, Zarah, Dario, and Isabelle.

Malcolm always said, “When I die, have a party and a drink on me.” He did not wish for a funeral or any religious ceremony, and he asked to be cremated if his body could not be donated for medical research. If desired, donations in Malcolm’s name may be made to the Diabetes Society or to any children’s charity. Please raise a glass in his memory.