Ex-editorials editor Malcolm Forsyth, 74
Submitted by N.O.V.A. September 2006
Times Picayune 08-08-2006


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Malcolm "Mike" Forsyth, who edited The Times-Picayune's
editorial page for 24 years, died Sunday of cancer at his
daughter's home in Hope Valley, R.I. He was 74. 

A native New Orleanian, Mr. Forsyth had moved to Rhode Island
with his wife, Francesca, to be near their grandchildren and to
escape hurricanes, said his son, Mark. But Mr. Forsyth suffered
from advanced esophageal cancer that had spread to his bones,
and he died shortly after arriving, Mark Forsyth said. 

Mr. Forsyth, a wiry man who always exuded cheer as he strode
briskly through the newsroom, joined The Times-Picayune in 1961
as an editorial writer. He became editor of the editorial page
14 years later and retired at the end of 1999. 

"Mike will always be remembered for his professionalism, his
graciousness, his trustworthiness and his steadfast dedication
to reform," said Ashton Phelps Jr., the newspaper's publisher.
"His 37 years here gave him a keen understanding of New Orleans
and Louisiana." 

Mr. Forsyth, who grew up in Alexandria, earned a journalism
degree at Tulane University and was a reporter for The San
Angelo (Texas) Standard-Times before joining the Army. He
served two years in the Signal Corps and then spent six years
in Europe with the U.S. Foreign Service. 

During that period, he met Francesca Vernizzi in Geneva,
Switzerland. After they were married there in September 1957,
he was transferred to Madrid, where their children were born,
their son said. 

Mr. Forsyth's time overseas "left him especially well versed in
international affairs," Phelps said. 

Survivors include his wife, Francesca Forsyth; a son, Mark
Forsyth; a daughter, Frances Vincent of Hope Valley; a brother,
Dr. Douglas Forsyth of Atlanta; and five grandchildren. 

A Mass will be said Wednesday at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic
Church in Hope Valley. Burial will be in the Rhode Island
Veterans Cemetery in Exeter. S.R. Avery Funeral Home in Hope
Valley is in charge of arrangements.