Tribute to Malcolm Hockett, 1947 - 2026

I am sure I will be echoing the words and thoughts of most people here when I recall my memories of Malcolm, or as I have called him for the last 25 years; Dad. His welcoming nature made it very easy to slot in with the Hockett family and I am sure many here will agree, you never felt alone or left out when Dad was in the room. I have many fond memories of Dad. As with most men the strongest connections are made while working on something together, cooking meat on a BBQ or sitting around a table with a drink in hand. All of the above we have done together on many occasions. Malcolm was always there to help when we needed him, whether it was changing a radiator or building a chicken coop, he would lend a hand with a smile on his face. After every successful task was completed, we would enjoy a good ale, a bottle of red wine or a glass of whiskey; sometimes all 3; and sometimes we didn’t even need to start with the task. When mum and Dad used to visit us in Australia they would go out shopping every day and buy that evening’s dinner. Often that would consist of huge T’bone steaks that we would cook together on the BBQ with an ale in hand. We would the sit around the table and enjoy our meal with a bottle or two of red, then when all of the tidying up was complete, we might have a glass or to of whiskey. This sounds lovely and it truly was, but every day for 6 weeks when you have to get up at 6am for work!! It got hard to keep up. However, when Dad would wave a bottle of scotch at me and exclaim with his mischievous smirk “time for a nightcap?” it was impossible for me to say no. You were a great man in every aspect of your life and will be truly missed by all that knew you. Rest well, your earnt it.