I actually think I only met Malcolm once, at a Choose Youth meeting 7/8 years ago, but even that was enough to leave an indelible impression. He didn't say much at that meeting, but everything he did say resonated with me, and from what I could tell, also with everyone else there. From the many other tributes it is clear that I am far from the only person to have been struck by his wisdom and passion for young people and youth work. Dom Weinberg

Malc....in the 20+ years since we first met (with the late great Dennis H) every get together was an absolutel pleasure, funny, we laughed loads and you had a great taste in music and were always a gentleman. You have left a legacy for the young people of Lewisham, your work will be everlasting. It was a sad pleasure to "attend" your funeral and pay my respects. RIP my dear friend you will be sadly missed by a very many people and that alone is a tribute to your legacy. X

Always challenging, always inspiring! Gone but not forgotten!

Rest in Peace Malcolm. I was sorry to hear about your untimely passing. I hope your family and friends can get comfort from the memories of the good times you shared. It was the annual five a side match where we had the most exposure. The youths were all the better with your guidance.I will think of you should we ever get the football going again. Selvin

In love and struggle, a fighter, Marxist, a true democrat, tactician with a real feeling, dedicated to his work and to struggle, wicked sense of humour, "management has no right to manage"; we fought many battles together and a few against one another: co-worker, teacher, learner, comrade. In love and struggle to all who miss him, in particular his family and friends and greetings to those I knew too. I'll be posting a longer piece on the site which has a substantial piece by a comrade of his Tony Taylor on the In Defence of Youth Work site.

Mal, you have left a legacy to our young people and will be sorely missed. Rest in Eternal Peace . Palmela

Mal was such a genuine person who truly cares for the community. He empowered and inspired, he nurtured and enabled people to grow. Mal believed in me when I didn't belive in myself, he gave me my first opportunity with the Youth voice group. Mal was my hero, someone I looked up too. I'd often pop over to his office for a chat. If you had an idea, he was the man to help you make it a reality. Your kindness and genuineness will never be forgotten. You are absolutely irreplaceable. You have left not just a blue print and legacy for generations to come. But you have left behind memories that will never fade, memories of conversations, trips out and a way to treat people no matter where they came from. . RIEP my friend May God keep you in Eternal Peace. May your memory shine as bright as the stars for a light as big as yours will never go out. Sam Dias

Mal, you were a true heavyweight! Lots has been said, rightly about the impact you’ve had on young people’s lives, and the same can be said for the people who were blessed enough to work with you, such as myself. You’ve been a guiding star throughout my adult life and career, and I still recall you often when navigating the right thing to do. A testament to your impact is the ‘young people’, now 40something adults, who were visibly distressed and saddened at the news of your passing. Your impact on people was fundamental and meaningful. I’m glad we were able to reconnect recently, and it was like we’d never been apart! My memories of you are of warmth and wisdom, which you had in bucketloads. In love and struggle, always.

The world has lost a truly remarkable soul. I knew Malcolm from St Andrews. I’d joined the parent and toddler group approximately 36 years ago. Then went on to volunteer on a Monday night working with the younger youth, which then led to paid work. With Malcolms encouragement and support. Malcolm would help anyone, he gave so much to so many people. Though we lost touch, I will never forget the great man he was. Love always. God bless Malcolm you are at peace.xx

I worked with Malcolm a lot together with Marj Mayo and Ben Gidley when I was at Goldsmiths College in the 1990s and 2000s. I have not seen him for years but I have thought of him often, the lessons he taught me and the histories he told of south London. He was an inspiring figure; smart, committed, political in the best way, humorous at the most productive times and loyal even under the worst pressures. He even became a student at Goldsmiths and as always contributed probably far more than he took from his teachers. He was one of those figures that it was reassuring just to know that he was out there shepherding many, looking out for others. He was a remarkable man. I shall miss knowing that he is with us as a force for good. Many, many others will feel the same I know. I shall never forget him. Michael Keith, March 29th 2021

I met Malcolm when I volunteered at a youth club at St Andrews in Brockley. I was shocked to hear the news - gone too soon! I’ve been reading all the tributes and have been moved by all the lovely, heartfelt comments people have made. He clearly meant so much to a lot of people. I hope he knew it. What I remember about Malcolm, apart from his big heart, is his wit and that twinkle of the eye. He observed everything but at times his response was just a knowing look! RIEP Malcolm and big love to your friends and family ❤️

"I live for those who love me, for those who know me true; for the heaven that smiles above me and awaits my spirit too. For the cause that lacks assistance, for the wrong that needs resistance, for the future in the distance, and the good that I can do." These words of a poet very much epitomizes the character that was Mal. He was a rebel with a cause, and his passion was for the elevation of the youths in society, who he passionately wanted to inspire into a new way of living where dignity, inclusiveness, and respect for others was a crucial ingredient in the seeds he sought to sow. His aim was to develop the talent that he knew the young people possessed and today the seeds of affirmation and support are blossoming and flourishing. His was a warm personality with that infectious laughter that made you feel like a kindred spirit, accepted and affirmed. Malcolm was born to do this great work, working as he did in youth clubs from his early teens at St Michael's New Cross and later Brockley leading to his last role at Lewisham Council, he touched many lives and he is remembered as a unique person. In love, respect and gratitude to a very special gifted friend. Raymond

Malcom you will always be in our hearts. You did so much for the Young People of Lewisham but also for your colleagues. A legend that we will all miss. Pat & Tony

Your eyes and unmistakable warm smile that always acknowledged others, your energy, passion and commitment, will remain a cornerstone in our history and especially in the lives of so many young people in Lewisham. Thank you Malcolm. Philippe

Mal was known to Lewisham councillors – by reputation and directly – as a well-liked and much respected officer, a highly committed and passionate youth worker and founding member of the Lewisham Young Mayor initiative. I worked with him on several projects over the years and he was always so passionate, full of ideas, totally committed to community development and to ensuring that young people’s voices were heard. He was also up for laugh and a bit of cheery banter when our paths crossed in Laurence House and elsewhere. I will miss him. His colleagues Katy and Jacob, and all the young people involved in Young Mayor’s initiative must be totally devastated by his death; my thoughts are with them as well as with his family. We have to take comfort from knowing that he died peaceful at home with his immediate family by his side, and with the love and respect of so many others.

I feel truely blessed to be able to say I knew Mal, his impact on my life as a teenager has shaped the person I am now and who I aim to be in the future. Mal was always present for his 'angel children' and now his legacy will live on through all of us.

The man was a legend and the tireless work that he did for lewisham youth will be remembered by many for ever.in his words "lets get out if dodge"

You’ve had such a massive impact in the lives of me and my friends. I will pay the kindness, love and support you have showed me forward.

Truly shocked by this sad news mal was such a great man and had a heart of gold he was a real inspiration and had so much time for me . Had such amazing memories of Bulgaria with mal and the rest of the team R.I.P mr mal you will be missed .

Such sad news, he was such a great advocate for young people in Lewisham he will be much missed

I never worked directly with Mal but always enjoyed his company when we all met up for a pint (or 'a cheeky', as he called it) on Monday nights. I have fond memories of good times with him, Dennis and Alvan, and all the others I was lucky to work with back in the day.

Mal was a very special person. I am so glad I knew him and I will always remember him. He was kind and generous with his time always made people feel at ease. We shared some wonderful times together from Brockley to Northern Norway and I was lucky to call him friend. Rest in Power Mal love Nick

Mal was a truly genuine lovely man. I worked with him on youth engagement projects and he was always so supportive. I’m saddened he has departed so soon. His work is legendary. RIP now Mal.

Such a lovely and thoughtful and kind soul , I remember him from st Andrews church in brockley,will be sorely missed 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

Really saddened by this news Mal was a really nice person with an upbeat sprit and just cared so much about young people and youth voice. Sleep well Mal! Condolences to his family.

I'm lost for words. A genuinely great guy. You will be missed. RIEP🙏

Malcolm you will be missed by so many people on Milton Court estate and in the borough of Lewisham. You helped to change the lives of so many young people for the better. Thank you for all that you gave.

Your kindness and words, love and ambition change my life. The tears I shed in your absence is the water needed to fuel the work I’ll continue to do in your memory. In love and struggle, Alice x

Thank you Malcolm Ball for being you, allowing me to be me, for the fun we had, and for the exciting things we found to do together.

Malcom you will be truly missed, you really cared about the young people in lewisham. A True Lewisham Legend RIEP

Mal, you personified the potential of youth work. You reminded me to continue the struggle - "it doesn't matter, do it anyway" great advice I will remember with a smile. Thank you for being you. Your legacy will live on, with a smile and determination. Solidarity always x

A father figure to my three young boys. He together with Katy had an inviting smile and a genuine warm wholehearted welcome every Monday at 5pm. Mr Lewisham has moved to the room next door where Ball games are allowed.

We hope that you find this tribute to Mal a place of comfort, support and inspiration for you to visit whenever you want or need to.

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