Malcolm was born in San Francisco, California on May 22, 1942 to Harold William and Emily Jane Douglas.
The oldest of four children, Malcolm was always looking out for his siblings, and later in life, his family and friends. Malcolm lived in Larkspur, California for around a decade before moving to Monroe Street in Salinas, California. He loved to take detours by his childhood home and show off his father’s craftsmanship, as he had built the home with Malcolm’s grandfather. Malcolm attended North Salinas High, and was proud to be a part of the first class that spent all four years in attendance, graduating in 1960. Immediately after graduation, Malcolm joined the Navy and was stationed onboard the U.S.S. Midway. In 1963, after finishing his enlistment with the Navy, Malcolm bought his first motorcycle and began attending Hartnell College. Malcolm was an upcountry man at heart, and eagerly left school to begin work for CDF. He loved spending his days in the foothills fighting fires and maintaining the land.
In 1973, Malcolm met the love of his life, Susan Marsland. Within a year they were married in Carson City, Nevada and made their home here in King City.
Malcolm then worked for the U.S. Forest Service, servicing Arroyo Seco and the surrounding campgrounds. He always had a good story or two on hand about his time spent there. In the mid eighties Malcolm was hired by CTF at the Soledad Prison and worked very happily for 23 years. He loved his job, his co-workers and the flexibility that his schedule allowed.
In 1988, his one and only daughter, Katie, was born, and he would always say it was the happiest day of his life.
In 2007 Malcolm begrudgingly retired from the prison at 65, leaving much time for his hobbies and “honey-do” lists. Malcolm had many hobbies, as he seemed to be good at everything he touched: reading, fishing, hunting, shooting, riding motorcycles and even gardening. When his daughter moved into her home, the two of them spent months rehabbing the backyard from nothing but dirt and concrete to a wonderful garden and patio. Since then many summer nights were spent enjoying the fruits of their labor. Much against the will of her mother, Malcolm even helped Katie get her motorcycle license and took her on a few rides.
In recent years, a quintessential image of Malcolm would be sitting in his chair wearing a beanie, with his “rodent” Sadie in his lap and a good book cracked open. Malcolm also cherished his Mason brothers at Santa Lucia Lodge. In the last few years he re-devoted himself to his work there, traveling to other lodges, joining Eastern Star and becoming a large presence in the lodge as Master. Malcolm sincerely treasured the friendships and bonds that he made there. Malcolm was truly a wonderful human being. He loved everyone he ever met, and treated them as such. It has become very clear to his family how much Malcolm was loved by his community and friends, with the incredible support they have shown through this difficult journey. If there is one thing can be said about Malcolm, it is that he was strong. Unless he told you so, you wouldn’t have even known he had cancer. He held his head high throughout the whole process and never let anyone think, even for a second, that he wasn’t going to be ok.
Malcolm died peacefully in his home at the age of 75 on December 04, 2017. He would not want tears, anger or sadness from anyone; he would insist on smiles, memories and cheers. His parents, Harold and Emily, and his brother Scott Wallace Douglas preceded Malcolm in death.
Malcolm leaves behind his wife, Susan (Marsland) Douglas, his daughter, Katie Douglas, his sister Barbara (George) Pavao, his sister Carol Hauprich, his niece Corey (Kevin) Malcolm and their children Ryder, Gage and Leslee and numerous other family members and close friends.
Services will be held January 21, 2018 at Santa Lucia Lodge in King City, Ca at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Santa Lucia Lodge Scholarship Program.
For additional information contact Eddington Funeral Services, 429 Bassett St., King City, (831) 385-5400, www.EFS-Cares.com .
