Malcolm Mackinnon, 40 Northton

Stornoway Gazette, 6 February 1942
Among the precious lives of which the present conflict has indirectly deprived us must be mentioned our dear young friend, Malcolm Mackinnon, 40 Northton. In May 1940, when just over 18 years, Malcolm volunteered to join the Royal Navy, and after serving the usual period of training in barracks, was placed on an armed trawler.
In this ship he served for more than a year, and although she featured prominently in many an exciting episode, he experienced no hurt. While home on his second leave, some of his friends, suspecting that his health was a little impaired, advised him to apply for an extension, but he showed no inclination to comply with their wishes and reassured them about his health.
After serving again for some time afloat, he was granted another leave last June. This time he contracted a violent cold on the passage and the local doctor was summoned who on examining him, gave instructions for his removal to Lewis Hospital. After spending some weeks there we was removed to Lewis Sanatorium.
He received the knowledge that his illness was grave with commendable fortitude. To the writer, who visited him several times in the Sanatorium, he appeared to be quite reconciled to the Divine will. Faithfulness, honesty and a keen discernment are qualities not often associated with aimability and charm, but Malcolm combined them all. Always ready to acknowledge a kindly act, he was overwhelmed by the kindness of the Sanatorium nursing staff.
Contrary to expectations, he failed to respond to the medical treatment received in the Sanatorium and no amount of good wishes for a speedy recovery could alter the stark reality that he was declining. On 10th January, he passed peacefully away in his 20th year, leaving behind him an example of patriotism, integrity and gentleness wrothy of amulation.
His popularity in Harris was strikingly illustrated by the large number of people, young and old, who called on him at the Sanatorium. The large concourse of people who attended at his funeral was also testimony of the respect and regard in which he was held by all who knew him.
His remains were interred in Scarista Churchyard, where many of the bodies of the heroes of the last war are resting till the Resurrection. "The great and the small are there and the servant is free from his Master". To his sorrowing parents and brother, the sympathy of the whole community is tendered in their sore bereavement.
John Martin.