PLACE, Malcolm Edwin “Mal”
In Loving Memory of Malcolm ‘Mal’ Edwin Place
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mal Place, who left us peacefully on 16th July, 2025 while doing just what he loved the most – camping by the Murray.
Always working on his project – ‘OWBUS’, tinkering and fixing things, his happiness was travelling alongside his adored wife and enjoying good times with his much-loved family and friends.
His big heart and easygoing nature was loved by everyone who crossed his path; around Mal, everything felt brighter and at ease.
Mal was:
Loving Husband of Cheryl.
Dad of Melissa, Jessica, Brad, Jason, Hayley and Jade.
Son of Bert (dec.) and Irene.
Brother of Tania and Rhiana.
Pop of Nathan, Abby, Hayden, Cameron, Belinda, Ashley, Bailey, Harrison, Sam and Isla.
Mal will be deeply missed.
We will miss your stories and laughter, but we find comfort in knowing you are at peace.
While we can’t hear every story aloud, we’d love to hear your memories, messages for the family, or favorite moments about him.
Please feel free to send message via the link below. If you are attending the service we will have a memory box for messages and memories as well, but still feel free to share a message online.
Ever Loved Memorial Page for Malcolm Place
Funeral NoticeCasual attire - wear what you like; be comfortable and bright!
Mal's service will also be livestreamed.
To view the livestream, please click here.
In Loving Memory of Mel
Mel wasn’t just a mate— he was one of the finest blokes I ever had the privilege of knowing. His quick wit could light up a room, and his generous spirit made each day feel that little bit brighter.
Whether we were knee-deep in tech talk or swapping stories over a cold one, time with Mel was always time well spent.
He had that rare knack for making the complex simple, and the simple fascinating. Our conversations stretched far beyond gadgets and gismos they were about curiosity, connection, and a shared joy for discovery.
I’ll miss his laughter, his insights, and his uncanny ability to make any topic—no matter how nerdy—feel like the most important thing in the world. But most of all, I’ll miss the man behind it all: kind, clever, and utterly irreplaceable.
Rest easy, Mel. You’ve left behind echoes of laughter, moments of wisdom, and a legacy of friendship that won’t be forgotten.
Kindest thought go with you mate Brad, Kaz ,Hayden, Cameron and Belinda
July 22, 2025I’m so sorry to hear of Mal’s passing , he and family were good friends and neighbours of mine , Mal was a lovely man , never forgotten and will be forever missed
July 22, 2025Most definitely the nicest kindest most caring considerate man we’ve ever known! A true gentleman in every meaning of the word & could put his hand to any job or task he faced! Such an all rounder brain is a rarity so his loss goes so much deeper of the man he was!! He had so much love for his family & our thought are with them on this tragic day!! With much love to Chez and the family!! Our hearts truly feel for you!! xxooxxooxxooxx!!
July 22, 2025We extend our deepest sympathies to Cheryl and families on the loss of Mal, a devoted husband and father.
July 22, 2025
May our prayers be be with you all.
Blessed by the love of God and Jesus by his side.
Lifted up to eternal peace.
May the Grace of God be his resting place.
All our love to Cheryl and families.
Bryan and Maria.Without a doubt a true and respected lifelong friend. A man who always gave much more than he ever asked in return. The closest of my lifelong friends that I miss terribly already. Mal thank you for being there for me on so many numerous occasions in Traralgon and beyond..A man I can truly say I loved as a brother. Mal you will live with me forever, until we meet again.
July 22, 2025My thoughts are with Chez and family, what a beautiful man he was, rest in peace dear Mal, with love, Jill and Dave N T
July 22, 2025Mal was a terrific guy who was passionate with his camping and was infact the one who convinced us how enjoyable it is. We are still travelling some 15 years on. We worked together in Papua ew Guinea for many years and he was of immense help in getting our remote communications networks up and running.. sincerest condolences to aches and Mals extended family, I know he will be missed.
July 22, 2025Mal was my neighbour in Pakenham what.a true gentleman always ready to help anyone my love and prayers are with Chez and the beautiful family Rip Mal 🥀💔🥀
July 22, 2025How lovely friend Mal. HE Was always there for us, there to help us,and was always helping us with jobs we couldn’t do our selves.It was lovely to go out ,with him and Cheryl ,he will always be in our hearts
July 22, 2025
.God Bless you Mal..you were very Preciouse to us. GODS BESSINGS From Malcolm and Barbara. MalcolmDeepest condolenes, love Aunty Sally
July 22, 2025Mal was a great friend and colleague to me while we worked together in PNG.
His smile always lit up a room and nothing was ever too much for him.
Always up for a chat or a laugh, I look upon our time together fondly and our thoughts go out to Cheryl and his family at this time. He will be missed.
July 22, 2025Mal, a great fellow and a great work mate. Having worked with Mal in PNG for many years he was always happy to help out where ever possible, no matter how busy he was, I remember clearly his passion for travelling in his motor home at the time. A great fellow who will be missed. Dean Dennis
July 23, 2025A really top bloke who will be very much missed our hearts go out to Chez and kids and to all those who had the privilege of knowing him all our love and prayers Deb and John
July 23, 2025Our lovely friend Mal..he was always there to help us, and was always help8ng us with jobs we couldn’t do.. .it was lovely to ho out with him.and Cheryl. He will always be in ourv earts God Bless you Mal you were very precious to us. .Gods Blessings. Malcolm n Barbara.
July 23, 2025Mal,
You are an awesome legend of a bloke and will forever be in our hearts.
I sure do miss our race nights at the iagidome.
Rest in peace.
July 23, 2025It’s hard to find the words to honour someone like Mal – a man whose warmth, wisdom, and wicked sense of humour left a mark on everyone lucky enough to know him. The news of his sudden passing is utterly devastating, and the shock is difficult to put into words.
I had the privilege of working alongside Mal for several years, and he quickly became so much more than just a colleague. He was the kind of person you wanted around – steady, reliable, always ready with a joke or a helping hand. Mal had a unique way of making everyone feel like they belonged. At work, he was not only a father figure to us younger gen, but also a good friend and a trusted colleague to all.
He spoke often of his love for his kids and Cheryl and the life they built together – travelling, camping, and enjoying good times with family and friends. Whether it was working on his beloved bus or sharing a mango beer and homemade pizza, Mal was most at home with those he cared about.
When Mal set off from LCC, I was so glad he would have more time to gallivant around with Chez, creating even more wonderful memories to tell us about in future. I only wish that time could have been longer, my friend.
My thoughts are with Chez and the rest of Mals family during this incredibly difficult time.
Thank you for everything, Mal – for the laughs, the guidance, and the memories. The world feels a little dimmer without you in it. Rest easy.
Bianca – LCC
July 23, 2025I too worked with Mal for many years in PNG. His smile was infectious, his style was relaxed and helpful, and he worked hard to achieve all the various tasks given to him and his team. To Chez and Mal’s extended family, my sincere condolences.
His interest in his motorhome and relevant travels with motor home were always close to the surface. I am pleased these interests continued after he left PNG. His stories around a campfire would be Mal in his element. He will be missed.
July 23, 2025Mal, you were a workmate who made night shifts easier. You were also a mate who was always ready to support me when needed. Although I hadn’t seen you for a long time, somehow you kept popping into my thoughts. Miss you mate
July 24, 2025I’m so sorry to hear of Mal’s passing. My deepest sympathies to Chez and the entire family.
I had the great pleasure of working with Mal for ten years in Papua New Guinea. He was one of the most friendly, warm, and jovial people I’ve ever had the privilege to work with. I’ll always treasure the helicopter trips we shared – getting the job done with plenty of smiles and laughter along the way.
There are so many fond memories: breakfasts, coffees, lunches, dinners at work, and those celebratory drinks in Cairns on our way home to our families. Mal brought a special energy to every moment.
I feel truly fortunate to have met Chez, both at their home in Pakenham for a BBQ, and again during a family visit to site in PNG. The deep love between them was always so evident.
Mal will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.
July 24, 2025I was lucky to work with Mal in PNG for a number of years. He was always happy to help with any problems I had with my computer (I seemed to get a few). I’ll always remember our chats with coffee in his office. I had to go to POM a couple of times at the same time Mal also had to go. I remember fondly drinks at The Crown after work. Mal was truly one of life’s gentleman. I will always remember Mal coming to the mess every Saturday night wearing a Hawaiian Shirt, never wore the same one twice.
I also met his wife Chez when she came to site. A great lady.My heartfelt condolences to Chez and his family. You will be missed Mal.
July 24, 2025I’m beyond sad to hear of Malcolm’s passing. Sending love to the family and in particular Melissa and Jess. I haven’t seen Mal for years but we’re great friends in his Woomera days. Malcolm taught me how to drive and I helped him work out in the gym. Rest easy, mate you will be missed. ❤️❤️
July 24, 2025Today I discovered the very sad news of the passing of a friend from a long time ago. I had the great pleasure to have worked with Mal in Woomera from 1996. Mal was my shift leader for 4 years. I was posted to Woomera as a single, defence member, and placed into Mal’s team.
July 24, 2025
At the start I certainly questioned my sanity as to why did I want to come to a place in the middle of nowhere.
He and his family made me feel very welcomed, and definitely looked out for me over that time.
It made my time in our little patch of paradise on the edge of the desert very enjoyable, and to this day, the best posting I ever had!
That big smile of Mal’s in the photo, just took me straight back to those times.
My heartfelt condolences to all his family.
You will be missed mate.So sorry to hear of Mal’s passing. I knew him from Woomera a much loved part of the community and Centrals Sports Club.
July 25, 2025
Rest in PeaceMal.
July 25, 2025
Your friendly smile,
Your easy manner,
You made everyone feel like a someone.
You were not just a Brother in law, you were a top guy in every single way.
What a wonderful world it would be if we were all as beautiful as you.
To Chez and Mal’s family, words cannot express the loss of Mal.
Sleep Peacefully dear man.
You will be forever in our hearts.
Chris and Rex.Mal we feel so privileged to have spent those days with you Cheryl and chilly dog in the week before your passing so many precious memories cooking pizza out the back with a few beers barbecues and roast dinners , walking down to the lake with Cheryl Glenda,chilly dog and rocko dog our drive to Dunolly for lunch and museum not forgetting dancing to rock videos what a great time we all had will miss you terribly Mal our dear friend and Brother in law with condolences to Cheryl and all of your family Love from Graeme,Glenda and Family
July 25, 2025Mel you were a true gentleman. You made Gary I feel very welcome in the short time that we knew you. Our hearts go out to Chezz and families at this very sad time.
July 27, 2025
Gary and Darlene Doust.Mal you will be forever in ours hearts .such a kind caring man.
July 28, 2025
Thinking of you all Chezz and family .always here for you sending lots of love alwaysIn loving memory of Mal
One of the happiest, friendliest and considerate people we’ve had the pleasure of knowing, the perfect life partner for our beautiful Aunty Cheryl.
It’s extemely hard to express the sadness of such a sudden and unexpected loss but we find comfort in remembering your smile, your happiness and the positive impact you left on our family and everybody that was lucky enough to meet you.
We send our sincere condolences to Cheryl and the entire family.
You are surrounded in love.Sheree and Scottie XX
July 29, 2025MEL from the day I met you .you treated me like i had known you for ever .you and Chezz was a beautiful Couple
July 30, 2025
We will look after your beautiful Chezz for you .you wasn’t the kindness man ..you made everyone feel like they were
Family.you will be missed .and never forgotten.
Rest easy Male. And watch over your beautiful ChezzI was deeply saddened to hear of Mal’s passing. He was full of joy, energy, and laughter.
I also had the privilege of working with Mal in PNG. He welcomed me to the middle of nowhere, Kutubu the Southern Highlands. Officially he was in charge of our Communications networks across the remotest most impossible to reach places. Unofficially Mal was our network – easygoing, warm and uplifting.
Spending 28-day hitches in the back of beyond somehow never felt dull with Mal around. He had a spark that could lift the whole camp. You couldn’t help but laugh at his jokes, those terrible stories, or just that big Mal smile.
Rest in peace bro, you made a difference in more ways than you probably knew. You loved to travel and you once promised to find your way to Nairobi so that I could take you on a proper safari. Sadly, that day never came but your adventure spirit lives on.
My heartfelt condolences to your family and loved ones. May they find comfort in the beautiful memories you leave behind.
Go well, bro
July 30, 2025Fond memories of Malcolm in our late teenage and early adult life. A fellow Port Adelaide supporter, larrikin ,willing handyman helper, and groomsman at our wedding.
July 30, 2025
I remember when I first met Malcolm when he moved to Adelaide from Wudinna in country South Australia. Driving down Port road, this country boy thought nothing of hitting the skids, opening the back car door & discreetly doing a leak ! Then looking at me and saying “what ?!”….” when you’ got to go, you got to go!”
Still surreal knowing he has left us.
Wishing all the family and extended family and friends our condolences during this time of loss.How did you do it Mal? Always smiling and positive and up for a laugh.
July 30, 2025
And nothing was too much trouble – ever willing to help and teach.
Cheerio Mal – it was always a pleasure working with you.
Heartfelt condolences to Mal’s family and loved ones.Mal wasn’t just a colleague to me—he felt like a father figure at work, especially to us younger ones. He was someone we could turn to for advice about anything—life, work, relationships. He always had time for us, always knew the right thing to say, and somehow made everything feel a little less heavy.
And of course, he was the one constantly making us laugh. His sense of humour, his jokes, his stories—he brought so much joy into our everyday lives. Work just felt better when he was around.
It’s incredibly hard to accept that he is no longer here. Only now do I realise the full extent of his impact on me—how deeply he shaped my personal and professional journey. For that, I will always be grateful.
Thank you, Mal—for your kindness, your big, warm smile, your beautiful heart and the way you made people feel seen and cared for.
My deepest condolences to Chez and the entire family. Mal was truly one of a kind, and he will be missed so, so much.
With love and remembrance,
Kate – LCC
July 30, 2025I had the pleasure of knowing Mal both socially and at work in both Woomera and PNG.
I will always have fond memories of Mal in SATCOM and the jokes and people we worked with.
I once again had the privilege of working with Mal again in PNG and meeting Chez and the kids.
We shared a fantastic 50th birthday party and I fondly revisit the photo’s from that crazy weekend, it was so much fun and so was he.You will be sorely missed buddy.
My heart and thoughts are with the Chez and the family.
July 30, 2025Taken to soon but forever in our hearts.xxxx
July 31, 2025This heartbreaking news of your passing hit me hard.
I first met Mal back in when he interviewed me for a role at Oil Search, and he gave me an opportunity for a change in my career which lead to many great things to follow, paving the way towards where I am today. The last time we spoke, was when I called to share with him my news of leaving Oil Search to join BSP, and he was beyond thrilled of the journey ahead.
A fantastic leader, reliable mentor, and genuine friend. He would always make the time, in good times and bad.
Deepest sympathies to your family in this difficult time.
Rest easy my friend, you will be missed.
July 31, 2025Mal
You had the warmest smile that would light up any room and the biggest heart this earth has experienced.
I’m so happy you gave Aunty Cheryl many years of the most unimaginable love, happiness and laughter.
You will leave a very empty piece in everyone’s hearts and are going to be deeply missed.Rest in Peace Mal
July 31, 2025
Until we meet again xxMal, you truly were one of the most incredible people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. You really were one of a kind.
I will always remember your bright smile, caring nature and your big bear hugs.
You are so loved and you will be so missed 🤍
July 31, 2025