Tributes paid to well-known Staveley man – described as a ‘gentle giant’ – who has died

Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a well-known member of the Staveley community who has died.
By Michael Broomhead
Published 9th May 2020, 10:58 BST
Updated 12th May 2020, 13:44 BST
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‘Gentle giant’ Malcolm Watkinson passed away peacefully at his home on Ringwood Avenue on April 17 after battling cancer.

MORE: Chesterfield Royal Hospital statements about coronavirus deaths

The 70-year-old – who was affectionately known as ‘Crazy Horse’ – was a member of the Hells Angels motorcycle club since his 20s and was renowned for driving his beloved trike.

The late Malcolm Watkinson.The late Malcolm Watkinson.
The late Malcolm Watkinson.
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Mr Watkinson’s funeral took place on Monday and motorcyclists and his loved ones gathered to pay their respects to him.

Caroline Cheswick, his long-term partner, said: “Malc was known for his colourful and kind, loving nature.

“He was a loud character, so bubbly and jolly – and he lived life to the very full.

“Everywhere Malc went someone knew him and would wave or shout ‘Crazy Horse’.

Malcolm Watkinson was a long-standing member of the Hells Angels.Malcolm Watkinson was a long-standing member of the Hells Angels.
Malcolm Watkinson was a long-standing member of the Hells Angels.
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“We’d even bump into people who knew him on family holidays in the UK and even abroad.

“He loved a good party, a game of cards and a few pints.

“Malc was always busy – he worked very hard all his life and even in his retirement he remained busy and liked to help others.

“He was so popular with young children to the elderly, doing odd jobs and helping in any way he could.

Motorcyclists gathered for Mr Watkinson's funeral on Monday.Motorcyclists gathered for Mr Watkinson's funeral on Monday.
Motorcyclists gathered for Mr Watkinson's funeral on Monday.

“Everyone felt a warmth to Malc because of his kind nature.

“Malc had hands like shovels and a heart of gold and gave so much love to us all.

“He was the gentle giant.

“We will always remember him in this way.”

Mr Watkinson will be sadly missed by many.Mr Watkinson will be sadly missed by many.
Mr Watkinson will be sadly missed by many.
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Mr Watkinson, who was born in Staveley and lived in the area all his life, worked in a number of jobs including as a HGV driver and in refuse and recycling.

His brother Steve said: “Malc always loved his pranks.

“I will always miss his having him around – he was my brother but also my best friend.”

Mick Bailey, who was friends with Mr Watkinson for more than 50 years, added: “We could fill the paper with stories about Malc.

“He was my friend and the real BFG – Big Friendly Giant – with such a kind heart and will be greatly missed.”

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