Remembering Albert

I was intrigued to see my friend's picture appear during the evening news, then shocked and deeply saddened to discover that it accompanied the announcement of his passing. Albert Fulton, who kept the Toronto Island archive for a quarter century, whose other home was in the historic and privately owned Wychwood Park area of Toronto, which archive he also maintained, had disappeared in mid-July. Of course I didn't know that then. I missed him at the July 6th celebration of the Gibraltar Point lighthouse's 200th birthday - it was the sort of event he wouldn't miss. I didn't think about it again until the sad news of this weekend.

Albert was of inestimable help to me during the research phase of my work on the documentary I made of early settlement on the Toronto Islands. His archive supplied most of the archival images I included and his background on past and present characters and events was the product of a lifetime of experience, curiosity and learning. His newsletter kept current and former Islanders informed and connected. His bike tours of the Islands introduced many to the truly inspiring and sometimes just entertaining stories of residents like Ned Hanlan, Canada's first World Champion of anything, and the Durnan family, two of whom kept the lighthouse for nearly 100 years, and the English family whose boathouse was an Island centrepiece until the mid 1950's. During my visits to the Island archive Albert's charming wife, Emily, would often serve tea and ensure that a visitor felt at home. It is too sad that she has to endure this loss. Both she and Albert were active and engaged in living. Like many, many others I'm sure, I cannot say how much I wish they could have remained so for many years to come. Goodbye, Albert. Thank you for your many kindnesses, for sharing the stories, for nurturing my curiousity and for inviting me into your world. I will miss you.