Malcolm Pittock: Tributes pour in for peace activist dies

Malcolm Pittock from Breightmet died on Tuesday August 29, and his wife Gill says she is 'glad that he passed away peacefully'.

Mr Pittock, who was also known as Bolton's running man, died from pneumonia and sepsis.

He was known to many for his anti-war campaign and was one of 15 protesters from across the country who completed the Trail of Tears for Afghanistan from the Ministry of Defence in Whitehall, to the gates of the Military Correction Centre in Colchester.

Friend and fellow activist Barry Mills described Malcolm as 'very reliable' and the 'most highly principled pacifist' he ever met.

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They both met through the Bolton Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) and were in the group together for about 40 years, before Barry moved away from Bolton.

He said: “By his determination and inspiration Malcolm kept this group going through lean times and more active times.

“He inspired me to help keep the group going after he stood down as secretary and to keep campaigning for peace into my mid-seventies and hopefully beyond. 

“He would always do what he said and never let anyone down.

“He had an incisive mind that could cut through falsehood and lies, and false hopes, to discern what was really happening in the world.”

Barry says that some of his strongest memories include Malcolm’s visit to Brandwood School, where he handed out Hiroshima paper cranes out, and his thought provoking talks to Bolton Quakers on peace themes.

From left to right: Friends Komal Adris, Malcolm Pittock, and Neil McAlister (Image: Public)

Malcolm lived a varied life and in the past has been recognised as a Bolton running legend for completing 100 parkruns.

He previously taught English at the University of Aberdeen and at the University of Bolton later on.

Malcolm was arrested at the Faslane Nuclear Weapons base for helping to block the road, and many other actions between these two events. 

Chairman of the Greater Manchester Mental Health Unison Neil McAlister says he still pursued academic arguments until he died.                                                        

Former student Gary Todd says Malcolm was a 'lovely' man who 'devoted his life to peace and humankind', and that he always had time for him.

He added: “What he did was for the greater good.

“I knew him from my university days in the 80s and he liked a good natter, didn't he?”

Bolton National Education Union member Julia Simpkins says he 'had a good life'.

Bernie Gallagher Secretary Bolton Pensioners Association said: “He was a wonderful man, one of the best.

“I am privileged to have known him.”

Neil says that Malcolm was an inspiration and says he will miss his 'warmth and arguing about contemporary politics'.

He said: “He lived to a ripe old age and his was a life well lived.

“He was 93 but sharp as a button.

“I will remember him for his single-minded devotion to peace and his absolute unwavering commitment for peace.

“There are a lot of people that might not agree with everything he stood for, but they respected his integrity and commitment.”

Neil said that he never put himself first and always put peace first.

A policy adviser in overseas development, Komal Adris met Malcolm during the groundswell of public activism around the invasion of Afghanistan, and then Iraq.
She said: "He was a principled, kind and gentle man, with a fierce commitment to human rights and the common good.

"Malcolm was a seasoned campaigner and yet despite his vast knowledge and experiences, he met everyone absolutely humility.

"I met him on my last visit home, this Christmas just gone and he was as alert as ever, talking geopolitics, his love of running and some of his favourite books.
"I’m sure he influenced more lives that he was even aware."

Ron Sencak US Vietnam War resistor said: “Malcolm was a fighter for peace, all of his life, and never stopped he was an inspiration to the next generation.

“He was always a pleasure to be with.

“He will be missed.”

A spokesperson for Salford CND said: “He was a very special and positive person who influenced my person in the last few years.

“I'll miss his wise words and knowledge.”

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