Robert Malcolmson

Robert James Malcolmson, 90

Sterling - Robert James Malcolmson, a resident of Sterling, passed away quietly on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 in St. Vincent Hospital, Worcester, surrounded by his loving family, after a brief illness. He was 90 years of age.

He leaves his wife of 64 years, Judith (Dahlstrom) Malcolmson; three sons: Gary R. and his wife, Cynthia, of Severn, MD, David L. of Willow Spring, NC, and Mark S. and his wife, Michele, of Townsend, MA. He also leaves two grandchildren: Alexandra A. Malcolmson and Ethan M. Malcolmson of Severn, MD. He also leaves his brother, The Rev. Dr. John A. Malcolmson, husband of the late Janice; and many nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his sister, Dorothy J. Green.

Born in Clinton, Bob was the son of the late Alexander and Ruth (Conn) Malcolmson, and raised by his grandparents, James and Mary Helena (McKee) Conn. He graduated from Clinton High School, Class of '45. While there, he was a drummer in a youth dance band, "The Harmonians," and played as well in the High School orchestra. He worked part-time during his Junior and Senior yeas in a Clinton men's clothing store. Shortly after graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy, receiving his Boot Training in Baltimore, MD, and graduated from Yeomen School in San Diego, CA, in 1946.

From his youth, he always enjoyed sports, both as a player and spectator, especially baseball, football, badminton, and table tennis. In his later years, he also enjoyed fresh water fishing.

Returning from the Navy, he enrolled in Boston University, where he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Science, majoring in Public Relations and Communications.

He was Director of Advertising at State Mutual and Hanover Insurance Companies when he retired in 1990. He was previously Assistant Director, Corporate Advertising at Norton Company, where he worked from 1952 to 1980. He earned C.B.C. (Certified Business Communicator) from the Business Professional Advertising Association in 1979.

Mr. Malcolmson was a lifetime member of the Presbyterian Church in Clinton and served as Moderator, Trustee, and Elder at various times. He chaired many committees, including Stewardship for more than 35 years. He was also a long-time Bible School teacher, and a choir member for more than 20 years.

He served five years as Director and Treasurer of the Worcester Area Advertising Club, and three years as Director of the New England District, American Advertising Federation.

Mr. Malcolmson was President and Campaign Director of the United Fund and Council of Sterling for two years, Director of the Better Business Bureau of Central N.E. for four years; director of the Public Health Advisory Board of Sterling for three years; a five-year Development Committee Member of Assumption College of Worcester; and appointed by the Governor of the Commonwealth to the Advisory Board of Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner for five years.

He also served one year as a member of the fund-raising committee of the Greater Worcester Area Chamber of Commerce. He was fund-raising chairman and three-year member of the Sustaining Membership Enrollment Committee, Boy Scouts of America, Nashua Valley Council, Inc., Sterling Branch; and Committee Chairman, one year, and a member for four years, of B.S. of A., Cub Pack #14 of Sterling.

Mr. Malcolmson was a Past Master of Sterling Grange and Worcester East Pomona Grange in the Order of Patrons of Husbandry.

Bob was a prolific lyricist, having written well over a thousand poems and parodies, mostly limericks, his specialty. He published his first book, "Limericks with a Lilt," in 2016.

Funeral services will be held at the Presbyterian Church, 175 Chestnut St., Clinton, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 31, 2018, with a calling hour at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m. His brother, The Rev. Dr. John A. Malcolmson, of West Boylston, will officiate, along with the current Pastor, The Rev. Meagan Manas. Private burial will take place in Hillside Cemetery, Sterling, at a later date. Arrangement are entrusted the care of McNally & Watson Funeral Home, 304 Church St., Clinton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Presbyterian Church of Clinton, 175 Chestnut St., Clinton, MA 01510.

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