Obituary – Andy Malone
Glasgow Branch regrets to report the passing of Andy Malone at the age of 81. Andy joined the Socialist Party in February 1969 having previously been a member of the Communist Party from which he had resigned in 1965.
This was at a time of much activity in Glasgow Branch in which Andy became involved.
In 1973 Andy’s membership of Glasgow Branch ceased, but only because he went to live in New Zealand where he joined our companion party (SPNZ) there. On his return to Glasgow in 1979 he, of course, rejoined the branch and once again became involved in the work of the party.
He refused to be defined by his employment. Real life was what mattered: his family, his interests and the struggle to overthrow this vile system.
Andy was a scathing critic of the idiocy and cruelty of capitalism and always ready to challenge nonsense whenever he heard it, but he was also willing to have discussions with both those who agreed and disagreed with him. He was very generous with his time and resources. He was an avid reader of many subjects, including history, physics, biology, logic and science generally. Many party members and non-members alike benefitted from access to his vast knowledge and his library. If a subject came up in discussion, usually Andy would have at least some knowledge of it and at least one book about it!
Back in the days when the branch often had several outdoor propaganda meetings on a Saturday and one on a Sunday, Andy would often be at one of those meetings selling the Socialist Standard and other literature and discussing with members of the audience.
Some Glasgow members will remember, only a few years ago while leafletting at George Square, an amiable discussion they and Andy had with a group of Christians who had some misconceptions about both socialism and socialists. Later that day, Andy discovered some anarchists who turned up and a useful discussion and exchange of literature ensued.
Andy was also an enthusiastic and accomplished chess player. His main use for computers was not as a general purpose problem solving machine, nor even as a word-processor, but to check out and assess the latest chess programs.
His contribution to the cause of socialism was outstanding, but his regular attendance at our social events has also given branch members many treasured memories. This is a sad time for all who knew him but especially for his wife Jean and all his family, friends and neighbours.
We will all remember him with great affection.
JC