‘Devastated’ family pay tribute to young dad killed in Irvine town centre incident
His father described him as 'more like a best friend than a son'.
A heartbroken family has paid tribute to a 43-year-old dad who died on Monday, 14th October, from injuries sustained during an incident in Irvine town centre last month.
43-year-old Malcolm McCandlish tragically passed away weeks on from the incident on Irvine’s High Street on 24th September.
Malcom’s dad, Malcolm Snr, described his son as a good-natured, well-liked boy who would ‘do anything for you’.
Speaking about his son, Malcolm, 69, said: “He was more like a best friend than a son.
"There weren’t two days that went by when we weren’t in each other’s company.”
Malcolm Snr and his sister Mary, 56, say they will remember him as a helpful, kind-hearted individual who enjoyed games and a laugh - especially watching sports with his dad and 15-year-old son Dylan.
Malcolm Snr described the toll the death has taken on the family, he said: “We have all rallied around each other, we have comforted each other and cried many a tear – but we know he is in a better place now.
“It’s hard thinking about Malcolm, but we just need to try and accept that he’s not going to be here anymore.”
Malcolm Jnr’s son, Dylan, has ‘taken it especially hard’ as has his mother Margaret, 66.
“No father should bury their son.”
Malcolm Snr said that the family will try and keep their resolve despite being ‘distraught,’ he said: “We’re all devastated, but we’ve got to be strong for Malcolm and on the day of his funeral he’ll shine down that day and we’ve all got to be strong for each other, but it is a struggle – I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy.”
His sister, Margaret, 42, was there when the incident happened and has been ‘devasted’ since.
Malcolm was rushed to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital for treatment but tragically died there on Monday.
Two men have appeared in court charged in connection with the death.
The family all stay locally to each other where Malcolm Jnr had just moved to, he immediately tended to his own garden and his neighbours – which his dad says is just an example of how ‘great a lad’ he was.
Malcolm Snr was emotional as he concluded and said: “No father should bury their son.”
Family's funeral fundraiser
The family have set up a fundraiser to help with the funeral costs, the family emotionally posted on the GoFundMe site: "Due to the sudden nature of Malcolm’s passing, the family is unfortunately financially unprepared for the funeral costs.
"The family would like to ask that if you knew Malcolm, you’d consider donating towards the costs to make sure he gets the send-off he deserves. The family would be grateful for any donation whatsoever.
"Due to the sudden nature of Malcolm’s passing, the family is unfortunately financially unprepared for the funeral costs.
"The family would like to ask that if you knew Malcolm, you’d consider donating towards the costs to make sure he gets the send-off he deserves. The family would be grateful for any donation whatsoever.”
The family also said that any money raised over their target of covering the burial costs will go to Malcolm’s son Dylan.
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