The third part was to remain unfinished when he died, although his research papers are preserved in the Walker-Neesam Archive at the Mercer Art Gallery, Harrogate.

He rarely talked about his private life but close friends say he had a keen sense of humour, which could border on the macabre at times, and was an excellent cook.

[2] The Harrogate Advertiser said: Deeply committed to the idea of civic pride, generous in his time and supportive of numerous good works in the community over the years, there has scarcely been a signal major public project in Harrogate in recent decades where Malcolm's extensive knowledge of the town's past has not fed into plans for the future in a positive fashion to the benefit of everyone who lives here.

[3] Former chairman of Harrogate Civic Society, Henry Pankhurst, said:[Neesam] was always very well dressed, very precise in language and correct in an old fashioned way.

He spent over four years in Hereford setting up a library service for children, then was employed as one of the Duchy of Lancaster's archivists in Northwood, Hillingdon, London.

However the reorganisation made him county music and audiovisiual librarian,[2][3] overseeing new administration and the development of media from vinyl through cassette tape to compact discs.

[2][4] As a member of the Harrogate Society, he received requests to write local company histories, and to assist with the creation of commemorative plaques in the town.

[2] Besides writing, Neesam's historical work included involvement with the listing of various Harrogate buildings, and in the establishment of a conservation area there – the first one in the town.

[2] Harrogate trader William Woods said:It was Malcolm Neesam, Walter Davey and myself started Harrogate Civic Society in 1970 standing outside Woods [shop] when we urgently felt the need for a conservation society to primarily stop the five phase traffic management scheme with the last phase including a fly over passing close to the Majestic Hotel.

[3]Neesam was associated with the organisation Friends of Valley Gardens, and helped lead the reopening ceremony of the restored Old Magnesia Well Pump Room on 6 October 2015 when it was about to become an information and education centre.

[3][13][14] As of 2022, Neesam's "vast collection of papers and photo library" which "took up an entire room at his home" was to be deposited in the Mercer Art Gallery, Harrogate, as part of the Walker-Neesam Archive.

Local artist Matt Wyatt, who contributed 40 works to the exhibition, said, "The show is dedicated to Malcom Neesam with his portrait and written tribute on display".