Malcolm, born in 1911, was a son of Alexander and Chirsty nee Maclennan, 15 Valtos. He was described as having a "jovial disposition" and took a prominent role in organising entertainments in support of the Lewis Hospital fund.

He was a naval reservist and lost his life during WW2 at the age of 31, while serving on HMS Avenger, which was attacked and sunk by U-155. His name appears on Chatham Naval Memorial which commemorates those members of the Royal Navy who lost their lives at sea and whose bodies were never recovered.