MALCOLM SMALL / photo: Don Riedel

A Remembrance of Malcolm
by Kilbourne David Craddock

Malcolm dedicated his heart, soul, body, and mind to Shumei. He attended every sampai, every meeting, every event. Malcolm was an enduring icon at Shumei America, and he graced us with his presence and with his makoto right to the end. Thank you Gerard Rolfing and the others who made this possible for him in his frail final years.

I want to tell you of an incident that occurred the last time I saw Malcolm, only a few short weeks ago. I did not think much of it at the time, but it overwhelms me now as I ponder it. It was January 20, 2008, at last month’s Hollywood Sampai. After the service, during lunch, Malcolm sat to Sheila Shaw’s right at the dining room table and I sat across from them. Sheila and I were chatting, when suddenly, quietly, Malcolm began to sing. I had never heard him do that before. He sang, like a child, oblivious to his surroundings, happy with his own company. Sheila and I asked him what he was singing. He began singing again, and this time we heard it. The song was “His Eye is on the Sparrow.” Coming from him as they did, the words seem so much more meaningful now, looking back on them.

I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

Did Malcolm sense that his end was near? Was he reaffirming his faith in his benevolent God by comforting himself with these soothing words? I would like to think so.

Malcolm, you’re free now may your soul, like the sparrow, alight within the loving arms of God.

Lyrics for the complete song are as follows.

His eye is on the sparrow
Lyrics by Civilla D. Martin and composer Charles H. Gabriel,

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Refrain
I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.
“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Refrain
Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Refrain
(alternative first verse) Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows fall
Why should my heart be troubled, When all but hope is gone?
when Jesus is my fortress. My constant friend is He.
His eye is on the Sparrow, and I know He watches me.
His eye is on the Sparrow, and I know He watches me!