Community Celebrates Life of Malcolm “Mal” Sweetman, 1945-2023

Malcolm “Mal” Sweetman, a respected and beloved figure in east Auckland, passed away in December 2023. He was commemorated at a service held at the Pakuranga United Rugby Club, which drew many friends and family members eager to pay their respects. The event featured heartfelt tributes from eleven speakers, sharing cherished memories and reflecting on his impact in the community.

John Tizard, a longtime friend and fellow member of the Rotary Club of Half Moon Bay, led the service. Among the speakers was Margaret Bond, a childhood neighbor from Hawke’s Bay, who recalled their upbringing in a duplex state house in Frimley, Hastings. Other speakers included Philippa Wilson, who highlighted Sweetman’s contributions as a Justice of the Peace, and former rugby teammates Mike Kingston, Paul Sale, and Gil Laurenson, all of whom shared personal anecdotes that showcased Sweetman’s character and dedication.

Remembering a Lifelong Friend and Community Leader

Peter Bailey, also a member of the Half Moon Bay Rotary Club, delivered a poignant eulogy that captured the essence of Sweetman’s character. He emphasized the idea that “life is not about money. It’s about family and friends.” Bailey described Sweetman as a reliable and loyal friend who left a lasting impression on those around him.

He noted, “Malcolm certainly enriched my life, and he was just ‘there’ if you needed him.” Bailey went on to define loyalty, quoting the Oxford Dictionary’s description of showing “firm and constant support” as a reflection of how Sweetman lived his life. “We all need a Mal in our lives,” he stated, before reminiscing about shared experiences in rugby and community events.

The service was not only a tribute to Sweetman’s loyalty and friendship but also a reminder of the importance of cherishing relationships. Bailey recounted fond memories, including summer touch competitions and coffee meetings that Sweetman frequented at Bailey’s business on Ben Lomond Crescent. “We all looked forward to his visits, often with Mal bringing morning tea,” he recalled.

One memorable adventure shared by Bailey involved the Rotary Club’s “Bangers to Bluff” car rally, where a group drove from Auckland to Bluff. Sweetman and his wife Lynda continued the journey to Bluff, while Bailey and another member turned back after reaching Wellington. “My prize car had buggered shocks,” Bailey laughed, illustrating the light-hearted camaraderie that characterized their friendship.

A Legacy of Community Service

Sweetman was a founding member of the Rotary Club of Half Moon Bay, which was established in 1989. His commitment to recruiting new members and supporting local initiatives was well recognized. Bailey expressed pride in wearing his Rotary Club shirt as a tribute to the thousands of hours Sweetman dedicated to charity work over the years.

The rapid decline of Sweetman’s health came as a shock to those who knew him, serving as a stark reminder of life’s fragility. Bailey encouraged attendees to embrace every moment with loved ones, urging them to “give the special people in your life a hug every day” and to enjoy time with family and friends. “We all run out of summers,” he poignantly concluded.

Malcolm Sweetman’s legacy as a loyal friend, dedicated community member, and integral part of the local rugby culture will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing him.