OBITUARY — Philip Malouf

Philip Malouf, who discovered what became one of the longest-living asbestos operations in North America, has died. He was 86.

Malouf obtained an engineering degree from McGill University in 1935. Six years later, he discovered an asbestos deposit near the town of Black Lake, Que. In 1952, to develop and exploit the deposit, he founded United Asbestos, which traded on the Toronto and Montreal exchanges. The company then signed a deal with Asarco.

Development of the deposit called for the draining of Black Lack. Production began in 1958 and is still operating. At its peak, the mine sold $100 million worth of asbestos a year, and it remains the most profitable asbestos producers in North America.

In 1962, Malouf joined United Asbestos as chief executive officer and chairman. He retired from the company in 1981.

He is survived by Lily, his wife of 53 years, children Nora, Leila and Peter, and several grandchildren.