SAD PASSING OF Malcolm Heron, 1942 - 2023
The smooth running and effectiveness of many professional societies and organisations rests upon the commitment, hard work and sometimes patience of those who become an important link for members and a vital support for the officers and governing council members.
Malcolm was such a person both for the SSIEM and its sister organisation ERNDIM. He began his association with SSIEM in 1995 on his retirement from the Civil Service in the UK where he had worked for many years as a senior accountant.
SSIEM quickly became part of Malcolm's life and he in turn became part of the life of our society. His care and scrupulous attention to detail ensured a sound basis for our financial affairs. However, Malcolm was much more than a good book keeper, he had taken SSIEM to his heart. He would leave no problem unresolved and frequently went to great lengths to support our members and those associated with the Society, always willing to go the extra mile.
Together with his wife Marion he travelled widely attending our annual symposia in Australia, Japan and Europe - he became the public face of our Society in the 'SSIEM booth' at these memorable events. He would befriend and encourage existing members and persuade those considering membership to join - taking his laptop so that they could not miss the opportunity!
He continued to serve SSIEM from 1995 - 2010 and made lasting friendships around the world as a result.
Outside of the Society he had a great love of music and choral singing in particular, when prompted at social events he could be persuaded, with a bit of encouragement, to offer a rendition of various songs in his deep baritone voice - perhaps the most memorable being a North England Folk Song - 'The Lambton Worm', sung, of course, in the dialect of Malcolm's home county, Durham.
Malcolm died at home with his family around him on 2nd August 2023 after a period of steadily deteriorating health.
Malcolm was most of all a kind and generous hearted man, always willing to help if he could, he will be missed by many and his life will be remembered and celebrated by those who knew him well.
