Tribute to Malcolm Hockett, 1947 - 2026

Thank you all for helping us to celebrate our Dad, Malcolm, today. There is not enough time in the day for me to express the great man our dad was, but if you’re here, then you knew him, and if you knew him, you know that he was an extraordinary man who acted like an ordinary one. Today would have been his 79th birthday, so all the more reason to celebrate the fantastic man he was and what a wonderful life he had. He was an amazing Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle, and Friend - He loved so fully and is loved by so many. He had a great sense of humour - he was patient, kind, supportive and always seemed to have a dry comment at just the right moment. There are no words to express his influence on mine and Justine’s lives, or on those around him. He was always willing to help, to give advice, to volunteer to help - the first to show up and last to leave. Dad was our best friend and hero and the strongest man we know - To say he was a good man would be an understatement. There was never a time when we couldn’t go to Dad for help and not come away with a new perspective, and life advice that made us better people - but that's who our dad was, a compassionate, honest person, who taught us to always learn something new, to always aim to better ourselves every day. His devotion to our Mum for over 63 years (57 years of those married) never wavered. From the moment they met at a dance in the early 1960’s (though Mum went with a different Malcolm), he devoted himself to protecting and caring for her. Ironically, he kept cycling around to see her and asking her to go boating in Epping, to which Mum refused as she did not like boats. Only when they were married to purchase a boat and become a member of the Island Yacht Club. But we are glad his persistence paid off. Something so very precious. That devotion then encompassed Justine and me, and then his grandchildren. When we think of our Dad, all we have are warm and welcoming memories. Although we were his girls, Justine and I were never girly girls, whether it was helping him erect and paint the fence at Lede Road, moving tons of earth to level the garden, concreting the driveway or painting his beloved boat Margaret. We both have such fond memories of our family holidays to Wales, Scotland and the Lake District. Long car journeys filled with lots of singing to Barry Manilow, Barbara Streisand, Neil Diamond and Billy Fury. Long walks in our new walking boots that we got each year - up Snowdon, Helvellyn or Scaffel Pike, often in the Lakes, finishing with fishing for trout in Ullswater. Dad was not only dedicated to his family, but his work was a huge part of his life. He worked at Rowe and Maw for some 39 years. Justine and I spent many a time with him at his office, either typing at his secretary's desk and listening to his precise dictation or causing mayhem with the photocopier. It was wonderful just to be near him. We have had so many wonderful messages telling us what a superb mentor and knowledgeable teacher he was. Although he loved his work and was very conscientious, it is clear he had a distinct liking for practical jokes around the office - there are many stories, but we know he did once lock a senior partner in their office by removing the bar from their door handle and enjoyed tormenting the secretaries with his elastic band flicking. Be it smuggling hole punches into bags and umbrellas or playing havoc with a newlywed couple with a smelly fish, he made what could have been a stuffy solicitor's office a fun place to work. He was well respected both within the firm and amongst the legal community, not bad for a humble solicitor's managing clerk; in fact, when he retired, there were Judges, Masters and Barristers there to wish him well. An old school lawyer, with a vast knowledge of legal procedure and rules, in particular the Solicitors' bible - the white book. We haven’t found one yet, but we are sure that on his computer or laptop somewhere, there is going to be a template for a complaint letter together with a long list of company CEO’s addresses. In his personal life, he was just as dedicated. A member of the Island Yacht Club for many years, boats were his way of relaxing. Again, Mum, Justine and I have fond memories of sailing down the Medway, up to St Katherines Dock, fishing with Ray (Justine and I were tasked with watching the end of the rods to see if they had a bite), or sailing out into the estuary to watch the fireworks at Southend. From early on, Dad was heavily involved - his firework displays at the Club’s site in Wall Road were legendary (he was secretly a pyramaniac). He used his legal skills along the way to help the Club, and I am sure they are going to miss his administrative skills as assistant Treasurer. Dad also loved gardening both at home and for a time following his retirement at his allotment. Again, his knowledge on the subject was extensive, and I know Justine (who has inherited his gardening skills) will miss not being able to talk to him about the plants and vegetables she wants to grow. He often indulged my dear sister’s love of animals, be it a sick bird, hamster or even her beloved slow worm - Fred (later, who we discovered was Freda) - who travelled with us all the way back from Scotland. If something meant something to us, then it meant something to him. Gardening also included his darling fish - he loved them dearly and know they came to the surface when he drew near to feed them and sit quietly just watching them. Dad was not a sit behind a desk man, he could put his mind to anything - be that gardening, electrics, plumbing. He was our go-to if we were ever in trouble with things around the house - he literally was our encyclopedia of anything and everything. After Justine and her family moved to Australia in 2008, Mum and Dad would visit every year for about eight weeks, splitting their time between Australia and New Zealand. He was not keen on the Australian heat, but had his standard uniform - checked shirt, socks pulled right up, bucket-style hat and his camera over his shoulder - a proper tourist. Often going to pick up fish and chips for them all dressed this way - the boys' friends once spotted him and commented they had seen Colonel Sanders. Whilst with them, Mum and Dad would often shop for dinners - generally Dad choosing a T-Bone steak which he would BBQ with Kieron whilst sharing a beer. When my family stayed in the UK, while David worked in Abu Dhabi, again Dad was there, always supportive and helping to navigate any issues that arose for me and joining us for visits out there and keeping the children entertained in the pool - just like the fabulous grandfather he was. For Justine and I he was a calm, considered man who never once raised his voice to us. He welcomed David and Kieron as though they were his own sons. Always there to assist with any DIY tasks when needed. He doted on his grandchildren and talked about them all with such pride. For Mum - he showed a love that never faltered. He was her ultimate protector; he would do anything for her. Dad - rest easy, Justine and I will continue to protect and care for her - you need not worry. You will be truly missed by all who knew you. We are all heartbroken that you have left us, but we will keep you in our hearts and memories always. You live on through us all, and that will be your legacy. In the words of your much-loved Billy Fury, we will live our whole lives through living in our thoughts of you. Rest in peace Dad, Malcolm. We known you loved us but we love you so so much more.