Dear
Shirley
Harold
called me and asked me to write a few lines about Malcolm. Malcolm's
death has broken me, I feel heart broken for all of you and say may
time heal. My buddy was very sick and I could feel they were torturing
him. He is at peace, but it is hard for us now.
This
is an honor thank you.
Malcolm
Gluckman - known to me as Glucky, Mr.G and Malky. -My friend for 26
years.
You were my friend from school days, age 11 or 12 years. What was clear
about you then was your sporting ability. If we needed to win a cricket
match, gala or relay we needed you. You knew that by having me on your
team meant it would be a lot harder to win, if not impossible. With
that in mind you consistently gave me an opportunity to participate.
Even then you showed rare qualities of compassion and maturity that
followed you to your last days.
Malcolm
never forgot his roots; South Africa and his many memories he collected
never left his heart. He also never forgot his friends and remembered
each buddy with perfect clarity.
The
game parks were his highlight and he would drag us up at 4.30 am in
the morning in search of Lions. He had a hunger for life and even in
his early adulthood when Malcolm first started to struggle with his
illness he had a zest for life and adventure that a healthy person could
not follow. Malcolm loved to travel and together we saw half the world-
he charmed girls from Cape Town to Rio.
We
were fortunate enough, on our own steam to see many exciting faraway
places of which Malcolm would be the tour guide Deluxe. He was not happy
to go to a country without reading about the places of interest and
finding the most exciting unexplored places to go. At this stage it
reminds me of many memories of extremes, where survival skills were
essential, and if you had a faint heart this was not for you.
Malcolm
excelled in business and was a self made man. He was also able to achieve
success at work, and even though he was hindered by illness he managed
to make the top 10 property agents numerous times in his short life.
When
I think of Malcolm, I never ever thought of him as ill, this is the
way Malcolm lived. There is bravery in many forms but the bravery and
strength that that Malcolm demonstrated in the last few years is truly
incredible. He never wanted to burden his family or friends and never
did. Malcolm will be remembered as a gentleman, impeccably dressed,
suave and debonair, and always well spoken.
He
supported many Jewish causes and understood the importance of being
Jewish; he had his heart in the right place. As sick as Malcolm was,
he was able to care for others, showing compassion and tolerance despite
his difficult times.
Many
people are described as kind and considerate but to be kind and considerate
while feeling ill, and never ever complaining about life is inspiration
to all of us. Malcolm had a great sense of humor; we will never forget
the sound of his laughter.
There
are many unanswered questions about life and death, and in particular
I ask myself why we feel so sad now. It is simple; Malcolm was a very
special person, he left his mark on this world, a giant footprint of
greatness, that words cannot justify. Greatness in the eyes of the people
he loved and who loved him. A blessing perhaps.
I
asked Malcolm to be my best man at my wedding in August. He will still
be there with me in spirit, once again never letting any one down.
We
boys never came right out with our expressions of love for our families,
but you can be assured how many hours we talked about family life on
the many phone calls between South Africa and the USA, how he expressed
his care and adoration for his family not forgetting his relatives and
cousins. His love for his family was often understated. If you knew
him as I did, you would know how much love and respect he had for his
dad Harold, mom Shirley and sisters Gail and Lynn.
Malcolmıs
passion for life will inspire us all. He fought his illness with a lion
heart. We will mourn Malcolm for a very long time. We will never forget
him and we will miss him so much! We will live life as he lived and
wanted us to live. His inspiration will move us forward. It is this
inspiration, zest and love that will be his immortality. He was my hero.
Malcolm
will be "my best man" forever and for many others too.
We loved him and will love him forever.
Your
old friend Flaxy
GARY FLAX
July 1, 2002