Upper Eden lost a man with a real belief in contributing to his local community with the death of Malcolm Doig, of Soulby, aged 83.
He was particularly known through his long spell as headmaster of Kirkby Stephen Primary School — where he made sure he got to know each pupil — and the many years he spent playing the organ at the town’s parish church, but was also involved with a number of other groups and activities.
John Malcolm Forrest Doig, to give him his full name, was the only child of the late David and Renie Doig, and spent his early years at Padiham, Lancashire. At the age of five he moved with his parents to Colne, where he received his early education before studying at Lancaster Royal Grammar School.
He trained to be a teacher at Chester College and went on to work in Nelson, Lancashire, where he became a deputy headmaster.
It was in Colne that he met his future wife, Judith, also a teacher, and the couple were married 56 years ago. They went on to have two children, Nicola and Fiona.
The family moved to Kirkby Stephen in 1973 when Malcolm took up the headship at the primary school. They lived in the town for three years before finding a home in Soulby.
As a school head, Malcolm believed the pupils should feel comfortable and he took pains to ensure he knew them all — and many of their family members. He taught all age groups at some point each week and often walked around the school during breaks getting to know the pupils, sometimes joining in their football games.
He introduced parents’ evenings, organised school concerts, took pupils to musical performances and arranged a trip to London each year for Year 6 students.
He believed there was not enough in the area for young boys to do and so, along with Nick Prime, set up a club for them. This continued until a cub group was launched in Kirkby Stephen.
He finally retired in 2000 and went on to enjoy a long and happy retirement with Judith.
One of Malcolm’s great loves was music — despite the fact that as a youngster he had stopped taking piano lessons on the advice of the person giving them.
Later, however, he became a competent pianist and also a skilled recorder player. He was taught to play the organ by Norman Hill, the organist at Kirkby Stephen Parish Church, who was a talented performer.
Malcolm subsequently played during services in rotation with other organists, and for the last 20 years or so was the sole organist at the church, providing musical accompaniment at hundreds of weddings and funeral services. He also played on a more infrequent basis in the church at Soulby and for the Kirkby Stephen masonic lodge, of which he was a member.
He and Judith loved chamber music and attended many concerts together. After their retirement they were regulars at Penrith Music Club and Kendal Midday Music Club. He was also a stalwart of North Westmorland Arts, based in Appleby.
His involvement with Kirkby Stephen Parish Church extended beyond the musical sphere. He served as a churchwarden and also on the parochial church council.
Another of Malcolm’s passions was golf, which he played from the age of five, becoming a skilled player. He put in many rounds on the course at Appleby over the years, winning numerous trophies. He served as the club’s secretary and also as its vice-captain and captain.
In his later years he played twice a week with a group known as the Ramblers.
Other sporting interests included table tennis — which he played in Kirkby Stephen — badminton and rugby union, although the latter as a spectator rather than participant.
He and his wife loved walking and they enjoyed a number of overseas trips after their retirement, including to Alaska, the Caribbean and mountainous areas of Europe. Other joint endeavours included helping a group of volunteers run a lunch club in Soulby.
At home, Malcolm loved spending time with his family and was a keen gardener. He grew flowers, soft fruit and vegetables, and even enjoyed such humble tasks as cutting the grass.
A man of great energy, he was very much a part of his community and well liked by a great many of its members. Malcolm is survived by his wife Judith; and daughters Nicola, of The Wirral, and Fiona, of Gaisgill. He had four grandchildren.
A service to celebrate his life was held at Kirkby Stephen Parish Church on Monday, 12th February, at 1-30pm. Glyn Jones Funeral Directors, Appleby, were in charge of the arrangements.
