The obituary notice of Jim (ARMADALE. Peacefully at St John's Hospital on 25th February 2021 at age 92 years.) MALLACE

Dad’s Eulogy.
Dad was always a man who respected people and those same people’s views and opinions. He was a big, strong man, but he always said to me : “Son, if ALL the Big men in the world acted like a lot of the Wee men in the world, ......... there would be .......... NO.... Wee men!” He had an enviable lens to see the world through, and it humbles me, that, today, I can only begin to imagine what he saw through those eyes. He was objective and in many ways, way more tolerant than I would ever be. He was a quiet, very private man, but his lack of outgoing temperament was more than made up for by his ability and willingness to help others! That was his great gift and he was not economical with it. Dad took after his Mother Agnes in that he was great with his hands, could repair anything that had the audacity to break! In his world, nothing was ever actually broken, it was just temporarily inoperable. He was a great engineer and I can remember him telling me, years later mind you, that, when he was working at the North British in Bathgate, they had a special project in the early sixties. That project was the 16 Anchor Blocks for the new Forth Road Bridge, and Jim was the only engineer they would trust to machine them, and to bore the holes at just the right angle to accept those huge suspension cables. Quite a responsibility, but his legacy lives on, and I believe the bridge is still standing to this day! On a more everyday note, I can also remember him looking at an Electric Lawnmower in D. R. Gordon’s back in the day when they cost an arm and a leg. He looked at me and said “ I’m goin’ to make one myself!” Not sure how he was going to achieve that, I found out a couple of weeks later when our washing machine broke down. The drum was rusted out but the motor was still working, so Dad set to work and converted his heavy cylinder mower into an electric one using the washing machine motor. There really wasn’t much he couldn’t build or repair himself.

All the while, Dad kept himself busy helping others in our extended families. I don’t know how many Living-rooms and Staircases he wall-papered for Gran and Granda, Uncle Packie, Aunt Winnie, Uncle Mike, and many more. That’s not to mention all the Sandstone fireplaces in he built for all and sundry, ......... all without a Pound changing hands! I can remember vividly when we were looking for some Sandstone and found it at the first bend in the road as you enter Whiteside. There we were, Dad and I, out there loading it into the back of his wee Morris 1000 Traveler. He looked for stone all over the County for loads of people, mostly family and friends, nothing was ever a bother to him!
In 1978, Val and I bought a plot of land at Sibbald’s Brae and Dad, once again, was the main contributor in building it. One weekend when we were building the foundation walls, Dad tripped and sprained his ankle. He went to get it checked and the doctor gave him a line for 2 weeks off work. A couple days later, I was driving by the plot on my way back from work, and there was Dad, ankle all wrapped up and him pouring concrete for the foundation, ....... unbelievable!
One of his great passions was “Going to the Football on Saturday”. This started out watching Armadale Thistle when Dad would take us all over the country to watch them in the Scottish Cup, etc. Then, years later, we would follow Airdrieonians, and then it was my time to return the favour, and I would drive Dad, Stephen, Craig and Calum all over the place to see them. Those were some of our best and fun memories and I will always cherish those times. (continued)

Although Dad wasn’t a Religious man, he always had great respect for those that were, not least his wife Rye. He always strived to give us a nice summer holiday for 2 weeks, each and every year. No matter where we went, it was always on a Saturday and even if the trip took 12 hours to go to Devon for example, the very first thing Dad would do when we got there, was to find the Catholic Church for Mum on Sunday morning. He did that Religiously, excuse the pun, for all those years, that’s selfless thoughtfulness for you! Still on the religious theme, it was also my Dad who used to take Uncle Packie Reidy to visit his Son Brian at the Seminary at Langbank when he was studying to be a Priest. Dad would have done anything to help those he loved, and I think, sadly, he didn’t get a lot of credit for that, but I’m giving him some now, albeit belatedly!
Dad also loved to Dance, and boy, could he dance? For a big man, he was very light on his feet and he and Mum were a joy to watch gliding across the dance floor. We had some great nights with all our family at the Goth, The Three Kings, Bathgate Golf Club dances, etc, all just great times and wonderful memories.
I’m writing this from 4,500 miles away and am heartbroken that I couldn’t be there due to the whole Covid situation. However, I want to thank Angela and Stephen for all they have done for Dad, especially these last couple of years when he needed more help than previously. Also, I want to pass on my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to both them and their families for the selfless time they spent with Dad in St John’s in his last week. Dad was my best friend my whole life and he was always an inspiration to me. I will miss him, always be thankful he was my Dad, and never, ever forget him. Till we meet again, Rest In Peace Dad.

Hi Dad, I just thought I would write you a wee Poem to remind us of the great life you had, hope you like it? I will never forget you, James.

My Dad
Jim was born in nineteen hundred & twenty eight,
In a wee mining town called Bathgate!
Doon the Mill Road was where he resided,
His beloved Mother Agnes, always lovingly minded!

Fourteen years later, along came brother Walter,
And his wee Sister another five years after!
That said, even though that was quite a margin,
He guided Margaret like he was her only Guardian!

Now, into his twenties like perpetual motion,
Along came Mallace & McCallum Promotions!
Big Jim and wee Gus would take a chance,
Rent the Corn Exchange, and Palais de Dance!

Often said to resemble Robert Taylor or Errol Flynn,
Yes, he certainly had the looks, did our Big Jim!
Not long after, came Rye, the love of his life,
But it took several years before she finally became his Wife!

His transport of choice was a Wolseley Wasp,
In those days, that was a all a man could ask!
Always a man to aspire to all he can,
Then off by plane on honeymoon to the Isle of Man!

He and Rye soon would have a family of four,
And they gave them love and a whole lot more!
Jim was a great provider to all of them,
And as a Father he was indeed a true gem!

He always brought them on a summer vacation,
Morecambe, Devon, and all across our nation!
But first thing, he would find the Catholic Church,
Because he knew that to Rye, it meant so much!

But Saturdays became a special day,
When Airdrieonians would go to play!
With Dad, Stephen, the boys and I,
The Diamonds would er’ take an eye for an eye!

But where is Daughter Angela all of these years,
Of course, helping Mum & Dad address their fears!
She always had their interests at heart,
Right from the very, very start!

Jim was always a talented engineer,
At British Leyland, his creative talent had no peer!
That’s why, after all these 92 great years,
There’s sadness, but please, please, no more tears!

Thinking of you at this sad time
Jim & Julie Peat.
Xx