T.I. region grieves loss of 'treasure'

Paul H. Malo, who died of pancreatic cancer last week at his home in Oswego County, is being remembered as one of the greatest advocates of the Thousand Islands.

"Northern New York has lost one of its greatest treasures," said Ian Coristine, a Thousand Islands photographer and a close friend of Mr. Malo.

Mr. Malo, 78, was an architect, author and educator who researched and documented the region for more than 50 years. His love and knowledge of the Thousand Islands led him to write three books on the region: "Fools' Paradise: Remembering the Thousand Islands," "Boldt Castle: In Search of the Lost Story" and "A Floating World: More People, Places, and Pastimes of the Thousand Islands."

Mr. Malo, with the help of Michael Franklin, Syracuse, and Mr. Coristine, started an online magazine, www.thousandislandslife.com, which documents the history and culture of the Thousand Islands region.

WALKING ENCYCLOPEDIA

Author Patricia Mondore, Syracuse, remembers the "sweet, charming and humble" gentleman as a walking encyclopedia of the region.

"One of the things that stood out most to me is that he was always so humble and soft-spoken about all that he did that it would catch one off guard to realize this man was a highly acclaimed architect, college professor and best-selling author, when one was in his presence," she said.

Marilyn R. Hutchinson, who works at Corbin's River Heritage on Riverside Drive, Clayton, said Mr. Malo used to visit the store, which carries his books as well as many others about the region.

"If there was anything you needed to know about the Thousand Islands, Paul was the one to go to," Mrs. Hutchinson said.

The archival materials he donated to the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton formed the core of the museum's collection.

'MR. THOUSAND ISLANDS'

Mr. Malo's passion for the islands, their cottages and enchanting castles bloomed early when as a young man he jumped on a skiff exploring the St. Lawrence River near his parents' summer house in Clayton.

"He decided when he was a little boy that he wanted to be Mr. Thousand Islands," said Mr. Malo's wife, Judith Wellman.

Over the years he pursued ways to preserve the marvels of the region, including Boldt Castle on Heart Island and Thousand Island Park on Wellesley Island and also promoted the restoration of Carleton Villa on Carleton Island.

"He really was a man of many talents," said Mrs. Wellman. "He was a Renaissance man."

He taught architectural design and history at Syracuse University for more than 30 years until his retirement as professor emeritus in 1992. He was nationally recognized for designing the Civic Center in Syracuse.

Mrs. Wellman said the Syracuse native also was a talented photographer, painter, cook, gardener, composer and pianist.

"He was right in the middle of so much. He had so much left unfinished," Mrs. Wellman said.

Until his death, she said, he was working as a consultant for Thousand Island Park, finishing an essay on the Magedoma — a 126-foot-long steam yacht that has been restored in California — and spent time writing and editing for his online magazine.

His ashes will be scattered over many places, among them the Thousand Islands.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 11 at Hendricks Chapel, Syracuse University.