In late May, I met Albert Fulton for the first time.

Heritage Toronto was working on a plaque to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Gibraltar Lighthouse on the Toronto Islands. We had gone to the Island to meet with those involved in the celebration, including Albert, the Island archivist.

He struck me as a very kind, gentle and quiet man but what was the most evident was his passion for the Islands, his second home. Often when we work on projects we rely not just on research, but those who live and breathe their corner of Toronto. Albert was that man on the Islands, a man we admired for his understanding of its past, present and future. His cottage door on the Islands was regularly open to visitors, who could browse the extensive archives of books and photographs.

This wasn't the first time Heritage Toronto had worked with Albert - he had led walks in his other neighbourhood, Wychwood Park, and we had collaborated on another Island plaque for Babe Ruth's first professional home run. He was always generous with his time.

After our meeting, Albert was thoughtful enough to show Gary (our historian) and I some of his research collection in the library of one of the Harbour Square condos. He was soft spoken, but in this case the pride in his work spoke volumes. Albert later took us to the top of the condo to see what he believed to be the best views of the Islands - he was right, the views were breathtaking and uninterrupted from that height.

The City of Toronto has lost someone who deeply loved and devoted himself to his communities. In a city where residents may not know the first name of their next door neighbour, Albert was an exception, he truly cared, giving much of his time as a neighbourhood expert. While his physical collection of archives remains, the man who embodied a life's work and wisdom has been lost.

Heritage Toronto deeply regrets Albert's passing, and extends its sympathies to his family. Albert Fulton will be greatly missed.