Henry Arthur Malcolm

“You see, my father taught me that even our most profound losses are survivable. And that is–it is what we do with that loss–our ability to transform it into a positive event–that is one of my father's greatest lessons.” - Ted Kennedy, Jr.

Henry Arthur Malcolm, affectionately known as “dada” by family and friends  was born on May 9, 1929 in Johnson Town, Hanover, Jamaica, West Indies to loving parents Percival and Eliza Malcolm. He attended Middlesex School in Hanover. Henry’s father was a butcher and he worked with his dad, Percival to hone his craft as a skilled butcher. He moved to Kingston, Jamaica and acquired his first business which was a stall at Cross Roads Market. He eventually opened his own meat shop aptly named Malcolm’s Meat. He was the premier butcher in Jamaica catering to a very elite clientele and businesses. Henry was a visionary and possessed an entrepreneurial spirit which led him to open several businesses such as multiple meat shops, a lounge and restaurant. Not all these businesses were successful, but he continuously reinvented himself and pursued other business ventures. He was not a quitter. He has always beaten  the odds and because of his charismatic personality he was able  to connect with people on all levels. He was an optimist and always viewed the glass as half full. He was not deterred by life challenges but was resilient and victorious in the face of obstacles which is a testament to the life he led and the reason he was admired by so many people. 

In 1990, he migrated to Westford, Massachusetts. He met George Fletcher and his wife, Debbie who became lifelong friends. He became a farmer and landscaper which was a departure from the life he led in Jamaica. He approached this new phase of his life with diligence and hard work. He gained a reputation for his strong work ethic and dependability. These  attributes gained him a loyal customer base. 

Henry enjoyed being active by riding his bicycle and  gardening, well into his eighties. He became ill in 2022 and moved in with his daughter, Georgia and his grandson, Karrington who became his caregivers. He loved life and fought for his independence but remained optimistic and hopeful throughout his illness. His health deteriorated in the last couple weeks of his life and he passed away peacefully on April 13, 2023. 

He is predeceased by his siblings: Lawrence, Percival, Franklin, Eula, Clinton and Icybelle. He is survived by his children: Melrose (Spouse-Trevor), Georgia and Garfield: Children: Noel, Hortense, Sherron and Courtney: Grandchildren: Karrington, Aneisha, Damion, grandchildren: Althea, Gail, Nadia, Trecia, Kareem, Thea, Natosha and Stacey: Great Grandkids: Aiden, Aymar, Dante, Kianna; and other relatives and friends.

He wanted to be remembered as a  “good proud Jamaican man who  got along with everybody and someone that was sweet, kind,  and friendly.” He loved his immediate and extended family as well as his friends and he commented that, “he took care of a lot of people, children, and grandchildren.” That is so true. He was the quintessential gentleman,  provider and caregiver for many people. His heart knew no bounds and he will be missed by many. 

Relatives and Friends are invited to visitation at  Westford Healy Funeral Home, 57 N. Main Street, Westford, MA 01886 on Friday, April 21, 2023, from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. His funeral service will be in the funeral home at 12:00. Burial to follow at Fairview Cemetery Westford. Please join us for repast at 65 Tadmuck Road - Community Room immediately following the service. Please contact his daughter, Georgia Malcolm at 413-362-4188 for further information.

To view Malcolm's funeral service remotely on Friday, visit https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/9012850631