Difference between revisions of "Mark Merlino"

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(→‎Fandom Involvement: Active on FurryMUCK and VRChat.)
m (Added VRChat Wikifurries category to Sylys' article, as he was an avid VRChat fan)
 
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{{LinkingSupporter}}
 
{{LinkingSupporter}}
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{{wikify}}
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{{Infobox person  
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{{Infobox person
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| name = Mark Merlino
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|name = Mark Merlino
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| realname =
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|image = [[File:MarkMerlino.jpg|225px]]
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| othernames = Sylys Sable, Sy Sable, Sy, Sylys Weezles
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|caption = Merlino at [[Califur 3]], 2006
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| image = [[File:MarkMerlino.jpg|225px]]
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|born = 12th May 1952
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| caption = Merlino at [[Califur 3]], 2006
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|died = 20th February 2024  
+
| born = May 12, 1952
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|othernames = Sylys Sable, Sy Sable, Sy, Sylys Weezles
+
| birthplace = USA
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|profession = [[Fandom organizer]]/[[Fandom influencer|influencer|]], [[writer]]
+
| died = February 20, 2024  
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|species = [[Wikipedia:American marten|American marten]]
+
| deathplace = [[W:Garden Grove, Orange County|Garden Grove, Orange County, California]]
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|url = http://www.skiltaire.net/
+
| residence = Garden Grove, Orange County, California
 +
| spouses =
 +
| profession = [[Fandom organizer]]/[[Fandom influencer|influencer]], [[writer]]
 +
| species = [[American marten]]
 +
| gohonor = [[Eurofurence 7]], [[Morphicon 2004]]
 +
| url = http://www.skiltaire.net/
 
}}
 
}}
−
'''Mark Merlino''', also known '''Sylys Sable''', '''Sy Sable''', or just '''Sy''', also known as '''Sylys Weezles''' on [[Second Life]], was a [[fandom]] organizer/influencer and writer who lived in [[W:Garden Grove, California|Garden Grove, California]], USA.
+
'''Mark Merlino''', also known '''Sylys Sable''', '''Sy Sable''', or just '''Sy''', also known as '''Sylys Weezles''' on [[Second Life]], was a [[furry fandom]] organizer/influencer and writer who lived in Garden Grove, Orange County, California, USA.
  
−
== Biography ==
+
== Fandom Involvement ==  
 +
[[File:MarkMerlinoDrOsamuTezuka.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Mark Merlino shows [[Manga|manga revolutionary]] [[W:Osamu Tezuka|Dr. Osamu Tezuka]] a skiltaire [[art|illustration]] at a [[C/FO|C/FO animation club screening]] in 1979. Photo by (?).]]
 +
[[File:MarkMerlinoStonehenge.JPG|right|thumb|300px|Merlino at [[W:Stonehenge|Stonehenge]], [[W:Salisbury Plain|Salisbury Plain]], [[W:Wiltshire|Wiltshire]], United Kingdom]]
 +
Merlino became part of the [[fandom]] in 1971 by meeting [[science fiction]] [[convention]] attendees who also espoused an interest regarding [[funny animal]] [[character]]s in any media.<ref name="Greymuzzle2022" />
  
−
After a series of [[W:Brain stroke|brain stroke]]s for which Mark Merlino was hospitalized, it was discovered on February 9, 2024, that he had [[W:Cancer staging|Stage IV]] [[W:Liver cancer|liver cancer]], found during a screening.<ref>[https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-a-true-fandom-original ''Help a True Fandom Original.''] post by [[Rodney Stansfield]] on [[W:GoFundMe|GoFundMe]]. Retrieved February 9, 2024.</ref> He subsequently passed away in his sleep, during the early morning hours of February 20, 2024.<ref name ="feb20tweet">[https://twitter.com/Skiltaire_Party/status/1759882242137149928 Tweet] by [[The Prancing Skiltaire]] twitter account.</ref>
+
He was also one of the founders<ref>[https://fanlore.org/wiki/Cartoon/Fantasy_Organization ''Cartoon/Fantasy Organization''] entry on the [[W:Organization_for_Transformative_Works#Services_and_platforms|Fanlore]] website. Retrieved February 20, 2024.</ref>  of the [[Cartoon/Fantasy Organization]] ('''C/FO'''), a [[W:Fandom|fandom organization]] initially created for the discussion and enjoyment of [[anime|Japanese animation]] ('''anime''') and [[manga]] [[comic]]s, which is credited with propagating this genre via local chapters in the Continental US and overseas [[W:List of American military installations|American military installation]] ([[W:Misawa Air Base|Misawa Air Base]], Japan), especially thanks to fellow C/FO member Patten's American [[W:Anime and manga fandom|anime and manga fandom]].
  
−
== Fandom Involvement ==
+
Some of this anime/manga media imported for viewing by US fans ([[furries|fur]]/[[non-fur]]) included such titles of [[furry interest]] as:
 +
* ''[[The Amazing Three]]''
 +
* ''[[Bagi, Monster of Mighty Nature]]''
 +
* ''[[My Neighbor Totoro]]''
 +
* ''[[Sherlock Hound]]''
 +
* ''[[Samurai Pizza Cats]]''
 +
* ''[[Simba the King Lion]]''
 +
* ''[[Around the World with Willy Fog]]''
 +
...Among others, which they heavily influenced [[furry artist]]s, writers, and fans of that era and onwards.
  
−
Mark Merlino was recognized as one of the founding members of the [[furry fandom]]<ref name="BBC2009">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/8355287.stm Who are the furries?] by Denise Winterman. BBC News Magazine. Retrieved November 13, 2009.</ref><ref name ="Ash2020">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iv0QaTW3kEY The Fandom: A Furry Documentary FULL MOVIE] by Ash "Ash Coyote" Kreis. YouTube. Retrieved January 13, 2023.</ref><ref name = "Greymuzzle2022">[https://shows.acast.com/the-greymuzzle-archives/episodes/1-sy-sable-mark-merlino #1 - Sy Sable (Mark Merlino)], The Greymuzzle Archives. Podcast. Retrieved January 13, 2023</ref> along with his long time partner [[Rod O'Riley]], at one point describing himself as the "Father of the Furry Fandom" at his [[Oklacon 2004]] panel of "''History of Fur''".<ref>[http://oklacon.com/Event?year=2004 Oklacon 2004 Event Schedule].  Retrieved November 24, 2010</ref>
+
=== Founder ===
  
−
He became part of the [[fandom]] in 1971 by meeting [[science fiction]] [[convention]] attendees with an interest in [[animal character]]s,<ref name="Greymuzzle2022" /> was one of the founders of the [[Cartoon/Fantasy Organization]] ('''C/FO'''), and by 1985 he organized the first [[furry room parties]], most notably at [[Westercon]], which, due to their growing attendance, lead to the creation of a [[newsletter]] and two [[magazines]],{{clarify}}<ref name="Greymuzzle2022" /> He also maintains ''[[The Greymuzzle Archives]]''.{{clarify}}
+
Mark is recognized as one of the founding and pivotal members of the furry fandom<ref name="BBC2009">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/8355287.stm ''Who are the furries?''] article by [[Denise Winterman]] on the  [[W:BBC News Magazine|BBC News Magazine]]. Retrieved November 13, 2009.</ref><ref name ="Ash2020">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iv0QaTW3kEY ''The Fandom: A Furry Documentary FULL MOVIE''] video by [[Ash Coyote]] on [[YouTube]]. Retrieved January 13, 2023.</ref><ref name = "Greymuzzle2022">[https://shows.acast.com/the-greymuzzle-archives/episodes/1-sy-sable-mark-merlino #1 - Sy Sable (Mark Merlino)], The Greymuzzle Archives. Podcast. Retrieved January 13, 2023.</ref> along with his long-time [[W:Life partner|partner]] [[Rod O'Riley]], at one point describing himself as the "Father of the Furry Fandom" at his [[Oklacon 2004]] panel of "''History of Fur''".<ref>[http://oklacon.com/Event?year=2004 ''Oklacon 2004 Event Schedule''] page on [[Oklacon 2004]]'s website. Retrieved November 24, 2010.</ref>
  
−
* In 1982 he created the first furry [[BBS]], [[Tiger's Den]].{{clarify}}
+
* In 1982 he hosted the first [[furry]] [[BBS]], the ''[[Tiger's Den]]'', run by then roommate [[Andre Johnson]], at his private residence.
−
* In 1989, along with Rod O'Riley, he co-founded [[ConFurence]], remaining as [[director]] until [[Confurence 10]].  
+
* In 1985 he organized the first [[Room party|furry room parties]], most notably at [[Westercon]], which, due to their growing attendance, led to the creation of a [[newsletter]] and two [[magazines]].{{clarify}}<ref name="Greymuzzle2022" />
−
* In 2001 he was a [[Guest of Honour]] at [[Eurofurence 7]] and of [[Morphicon]] One in 2004.
+
* In 1989, along with Rod O'Riley, he co-founded the very first [[furry convention]], [[ConFurence]], a con that laid out the groundwork for the [[furry subculture]]'s expansion and visibility into [[mainstream culture]], remaining as its [[director]] until [[Confurence 10]].  
 +
* For a while, they held [[Prancing Skiltaire party|Prancing Skiltaire parties]], almost exclusively, at the [[W:Sacramento, California|Sacramento, California]]'s [[science fiction]] and [[fantasy]] convention, [[Westercon]].
 +
* He has been a [[Guest of Honor]] for both [[Eurofurence 7]] and [[Morphicon 2004|Morphicon 2004]].
 
* In 2004-2005 he helped [[Califur]] find its first and second hotel.{{clarify}}
 
* In 2004-2005 he helped [[Califur]] find its first and second hotel.{{clarify}}
  
−
Mark owned the well-known [[:Category:Furry houses|furry household]] [[The Prancing Skiltaire]], located in Garden Grove, California, where it hosted a myriad of [[meet]]s and events, and monthly [[furry parties]] since 2005. He was also active on [[FurryMUCK]] and [[VRChat]].
+
Mark owned the well-known [[Furry houses|furry household]] [[The Prancing Skiltaire]], located in Garden Grove, Orange County, California, where it hosted a myriad of [[meet]]s and events, and monthly [[furry parties]] since 2005. He was also active on [[FurryMUCK]], [[Second Life]], and [[VRChat]], and helped maintain ''[[The Greymuzzle Archives]]''.
  
−
=== Fursonas ===
+
=== Fursonas and characters ===
  
−
Mark had accumulated an enormous repertoire of furry [[persona character]]s and had a tradition of naming his characters with the prefix "Sy-".  Some of them included the [[recom]] [[Sylys Sable]], [[Sy]] the [[skiltaire]], [[Sydney Fisher]], and the [[silkie]]s [[Sylvester Thomas]] and [[Syndy Skye]] ([[Sega]] the [[ratel]] was an exception). His representative [[species]] was the American marten.
+
Mark had accumulated an enormous repertoire of furry [[persona character]]s and had a tradition of naming his characters with the prefix "Sy-", including the [[recom]] [[Sylys Sable]], [[Sy|Sy the skiltaire]], [[Sydney Fisher]], and the [[silkie]]s [[Sylvester Thomas]] and [[Syndy Skye]] ([[Sega]] the [[ratel]] was an exception).
 +
 
 +
Mark's representative [[species]] was the American marten.
 +
 
 +
==== Orange County Science Fiction Club ====
 +
 
 +
For a while, a skiltaire was the [[mascot]] of the [[W:Orange County Science Fiction Club|Orange County Science Fiction Club]] ('''OCSFC'''), who Mark and Rod were participants ("presenters").{{clarify}}<ref>[https://ocsfc.org/ocsfguests.htm ''OCSFC Presenters''] page on the [[W:Orange County Science Fiction Club|Orange County Science Fiction Club]]'s website. Retrieved February 21, 2024.</ref>
  
 
=== Convention attendance ===
 
=== Convention attendance ===
  
−
* [[ConFuzzled]] - 2023
 
−
* [[Confurence]] - ?
 
 
* [[Califur]] - ?, 2006, ?, 2009
 
* [[Califur]] - ?, 2006, ?, 2009
 +
* [[Califur Diego]] - 2004, ?
 +
* [[ConFuzzled]] - 2023
 +
* [[Confurence]] - 1989,'''*''' 1990,'''*''' 1991,'''*''' 1992,'''*'''  1993,'''*'''  1994,'''*'''  1995,'''*'''  1996,'''*'''  1997,'''*'''  1998,'''*'''  1999,'''*'''  2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
 +
* [[CritterConDiego]] - 2002, 2003
 
* [[Eurofurence]] - ?, 2001,'''*''' ?
 
* [[Eurofurence]] - ?, 2001,'''*''' ?
−
* [[Furality]] - ?
+
* [[Furality]] - 2000,'''***''' Luma,'''***''' Legends,'''***''' Aqua, Luma Festival, Sylva
 
* [[Further Confusion]] - ?, 2009, ?
 
* [[Further Confusion]] - ?, 2009, ?
−
* [[Midwest FurFest]] - 2023
+
* [[Megaplex]] - 2023'''***'''<ref name="Megaplex 2023 Panel: Ask a Graymuzzle Anything">[https://megaplex2023.sched.com/event/1OyJd/ask-a-graymuzzle-anything ''Ask a Graymuzzle Anything''] panel page on [[Megaplex 2023]]'s website. Retrieved February 22, 2024.</ref>
−
* [[Morphicon]] - ?, 2004,'''*''' ?
+
* [[Midwest FurFest]] - '''***''' 2022, '''***''' 2023
 +
* [[Morphicon]] - ?, 2004,'''**''' ?
 +
* [[San Diego Comic-Con]] - ?
 
* [[Westercon]] - ?, 1985, ?
 
* [[Westercon]] - ?, 1985, ?
 +
* [[Worldcon]] - ?
  
−
('''*''') [[GoH]]
+
('''*''') [[Director]]<br>
 +
('''**''') [[GoH]]<br>
 +
('''***''') [[Panelist]]
 +
 
 +
== Skiltaire ==
 +
 
 +
Mark is the creator of the '''skiltaire''' (also known as '''skiltare''') species, intelligent sentient [[weasel]]-like [[W:spacefaring|spacefaring]] [[alien]]s which were created in 1971<ref>[http://www.imverod.com/Skiltaire/Splash.htm ''Skiltaire in Traveller''] splash page on [http://www.imverod.com/Skiltaire/Splash.htm Imverod.com]'s website. Retrieved February 21, 2024.</ref> as a non-[[human]] [[sentient]] species for a series of [[science fiction]] [[stories]].
 +
 
 +
Skiltairea have been depicted by numerous artists and were selected as mascots of the Cartoon/Fantasy Organization and Mark's home, The Prancing Skiltaire.
  
 
== Literature ==
 
== Literature ==
  
−
As a writer, Mark was involved with several fandom periodicals, including ''[[Touch]]'', ''[[In-Fur-Nation]]'' and ''[[Western Weyr]]'' (a ''[[W:Chronicles of Pern|Pern]]'' [[fanzine]]). He was a co-writer on the furry [[role-playing game]] ''[[Other Suns]]'' (which included his Skiltaire species), and had written non-fiction articles for ''[[FurVersion]]'' and ''[[New Horizons]]''.  
+
As a writer, Mark was involved with several fandom periodicals, including ''[[Touch]]'', ''[[In-Fur-Nation]]'' and the ''[[Western Weyr]]'' (a ''[[W:Chronicles of Pern|Chronicles of Per]]'' [[fanzine]]). He was a co-writer on the furry [[role-playing game]] ''[[Other Suns]]'' (which included his Skiltaire species), and had written non-fiction articles for ''[[FurVersion]]'' and ''[[Shanda Fantasy Arts]]'''s ''[[New Horizons]]''.  
 +
 
 +
Mark's stories for the [[First Light Pride]] appeared in [[comic]] form in ''New Horizons'', and were reprinted in ''[[Four Footed Furries]]'', another ''Shanda Fantasy Arts'' publication.
 +
 
 +
== Awards and recognitions ==
 +
 
 +
Mark Merlino was co-winner, along with his partner Rod O'Riley, of the 2022 [[Good Furry Award|Good Furry Award Lifetime Achievement]]. His influential role was also recognized in the 2020 furry [[W:Documentary film|documentary film]], ''[[The Fandom (documentary)|The Fandom]]'', showcasing his significant contributions.
 +
 
 +
He is heavily mentioned on [[Fred Patten]]'s [[W:Non-fiction|non-fiction book]] about the furry fandom, ''[[An Illustrated Chronology of Furry Fandom, 1966–1996]]''.<ref> [http://www.flayrah.com/4117/retrospective-illustrated-chronology-furry-fandom-1966-1996 ''An Illustrated Chronology of Furry Fandom, 1966–1996''] article on [[Flayrah]]. Retrieved February 21, 2024.</ref>
 +
 
 +
== Death and remembrances ==
  
−
Mark's stories of the [[First Light Pride]] appeared in [[comic]] form in ''New Horizons'', and were reprinted in ''[[Four Footed Furries]]'', also published by ''[[Shanda Fantasy Arts]]''.
+
After a series of [[W:Brain stroke|brain stroke]]s for which Mark Merlino was hospitalized, it was discovered during a screening on February 9, 2024, that he had [[W:Cancer staging|Stage IV]] [[W:Liver cancer|liver cancer]].<ref>[https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-a-true-fandom-original ''Help a True Fandom Original.''] post by [[Rodney Stansfield]] on [[W:GoFundMe|GoFundMe]]. Retrieved February 9, 2024.</ref> He passed away in his sleep at home during the early morning hours of February 20, 2024.<ref name ="feb20tweet">[https://twitter.com/Skiltaire_Party/status/1759882242137149928 ''He's gone.''] post on [[The Prancing Skiltaire]]'s [[X (social media)|X]]  account. Retrieved February 20, 2024.</ref>
  
−
== Awards ==
+
Merlino's passing was talked about heavily on social media, especially [[X (social media)|X]] to the point that his name trended on X's "'''What is happening'''" board.<ref>[https://twitter.com/buzzabub/status/1760138973840576679 ''So many people are mourning the loss of Mark Merlino right now.''] post on X. Retrieved February 21, 2024.</ref> A great deal of known furry figures, events, and [[convention]]s added their condolences online.<ref>[https://twitter.com/FurryFiesta/status/1759980302343020695 ''We at Furry Fiesta are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mark Merlino (Sy Sable)''] post on [[Texas Furry Fiesta]]'s X account. Retrieved February 20, 2024.</ref>{{cn}}
  
−
Mark Merlino was co-winner, along with Rod O'Riley, of the 2022 [[Good Furry Award|Good Furry Award Lifetime Achievement]].
+
On [[FurryMUCK]], a small memorial to Mark was placed at the base of his statue on Sable Street.
  
 
== References ==
 
== References ==
−
* [http://web.archive.org/web/20050421045208/http://scifiinc.net/scifiinc/gallery/bio/Merlino,_Mark.htm Mark Merlino]'s Fan Call page at the [[Wikipedia:Internet Archive|Internet Archive]]
+
{{reflist|3}}
−
* [http://members.cox.net/ocsfc/ocsfpastmeet.htm Orange County Science Fiction Club: Past Meetings]
+
−
* ''[http://www.flayrah.com/4117/retrospective-illustrated-chronology-furry-fandom-1966-1996 An Illustrated Chronology of Furry Fandom, 1966–1996]'' by [[Fred Patten]]
+
−
* [http://www.furnation.com/extinctioners/pro_credits.html Publication credits and merchandise] of [[Shawntae Howard]]
+
−
<references/>
+
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
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* [http://us.vclart.net/vcl/Artists/Mark-Merlino/ Mark Merlino] on [[VCL]]
 
* [http://us.vclart.net/vcl/Artists/Mark-Merlino/ Mark Merlino] on [[VCL]]
 
* [https://furrynetwork.com/sysable/ Sy Sable] on the [[Furry Network]]
 
* [https://furrynetwork.com/sysable/ Sy Sable] on the [[Furry Network]]
 +
* [https://www.weasyl.com/~sysable Sy Sable] on [[Weasyl]]
 +
* [http://www.ocsfc.org Mark Merlino (along with Rod O'Riley)] on the [[W:Orange County Science Fiction Club|Orange County Science Fiction Club]]
 +
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20050421045208/http://scifiinc.net/scifiinc/gallery/bio/Merlino,_Mark.htm Mark Merlino] on the [[W:Worldcon|Worldcon's Fan Gallery]] (retrieved via the [[W:Internet Archive|Internet Archive]])
 
* [https://twitter.com/sysable Sy Sable] on [[X (social media)|X]]
 
* [https://twitter.com/sysable Sy Sable] on [[X (social media)|X]]
 
* [https://bsky.app/profile/sysable.confurence.com Sy Sable] on [[BlueSky]]
 
* [https://bsky.app/profile/sysable.confurence.com Sy Sable] on [[BlueSky]]
Line 78: Line 124:
 
* [http://www.flickr.com/photos/sysable/ Sy Sable] on [[W:Flickr|Flickr]]
 
* [http://www.flickr.com/photos/sysable/ Sy Sable] on [[W:Flickr|Flickr]]
 
* [https://www.youtube.com/sysable Sy Sable] on [[YouTube]]
 
* [https://www.youtube.com/sysable Sy Sable] on [[YouTube]]
 +
* [https://www.mixcloud.com/sysable/ Sy Sable] on Mixcloud
 +
* [https://steamcommunity.com/id/sysable/ Sy Sable] on [[Steam]]
 
* [https://confurence.com/category/fanzines/touch/ Issues of Touch Magazine on ConFurence Archive.]
 
* [https://confurence.com/category/fanzines/touch/ Issues of Touch Magazine on ConFurence Archive.]
  
Line 88: Line 136:
 
[[Category:People]]
 
[[Category:People]]
 
[[Category:Writers]]
 
[[Category:Writers]]
 +
[[Category:VRChat Wikifurries]]
 
[[Category:Califur staff]]
 
[[Category:Califur staff]]
 
[[Category:ConFurence staff]]
 
[[Category:ConFurence staff]]
Line 95: Line 144:
 
[[Category:California]]
 
[[Category:California]]
 
[[Category:1952 births]]
 
[[Category:1952 births]]
 +
[[Category:2024 deaths]]
  
 
[[es:Mark Merlino]]
 
[[es:Mark Merlino]]

Latest revision as of 11:41, 23 March 2024

Mark Merlino
MarkMerlino.jpg
Merlino at Califur 3, 2006
Other names Sylys Sable, Sy Sable, Sy, Sylys Weezles
Born May 12, 1952
Birth place USA
Date of death February 20, 2024
Death place Garden Grove, Orange County, California
Residence Garden Grove, Orange County, California
Profession or hobby Fandom organizer/influencer, writer
Character species American marten
Convention GoH Eurofurence 7, Morphicon 2004
Website
http://www.skiltaire.net/

Mark Merlino, also known Sylys Sable, Sy Sable, or just Sy, also known as Sylys Weezles on Second Life, was a furry fandom organizer/influencer and writer who lived in Garden Grove, Orange County, California, USA.

Fandom Involvement[edit]

Mark Merlino shows manga revolutionary Dr. Osamu Tezuka a skiltaire illustration at a C/FO animation club screening in 1979. Photo by (?).
Merlino at Stonehenge, Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire, United Kingdom

Merlino became part of the fandom in 1971 by meeting science fiction convention attendees who also espoused an interest regarding funny animal characters in any media.[1]

He was also one of the founders[2] of the Cartoon/Fantasy Organization (C/FO), a fandom organization initially created for the discussion and enjoyment of Japanese animation (anime) and manga comics, which is credited with propagating this genre via local chapters in the Continental US and overseas American military installation (Misawa Air Base, Japan), especially thanks to fellow C/FO member Patten's American anime and manga fandom.

Some of this anime/manga media imported for viewing by US fans (fur/non-fur) included such titles of furry interest as:

...Among others, which they heavily influenced furry artists, writers, and fans of that era and onwards.

Founder[edit]

Mark is recognized as one of the founding and pivotal members of the furry fandom[3][4][1] along with his long-time partner Rod O'Riley, at one point describing himself as the "Father of the Furry Fandom" at his Oklacon 2004 panel of "History of Fur".[5]

Mark owned the well-known furry household The Prancing Skiltaire, located in Garden Grove, Orange County, California, where it hosted a myriad of meets and events, and monthly furry parties since 2005. He was also active on FurryMUCK, Second Life, and VRChat, and helped maintain The Greymuzzle Archives.

Fursonas and characters[edit]

Mark had accumulated an enormous repertoire of furry persona characters and had a tradition of naming his characters with the prefix "Sy-", including the recom Sylys Sable, Sy the skiltaire, Sydney Fisher, and the silkies Sylvester Thomas and Syndy Skye (Sega the ratel was an exception).

Mark's representative species was the American marten.

Orange County Science Fiction Club[edit]

For a while, a skiltaire was the mascot of the Orange County Science Fiction Club (OCSFC), who Mark and Rod were participants ("presenters").[clarify][6]

Convention attendance[edit]

(*) Director
(**) GoH
(***) Panelist

Skiltaire[edit]

Mark is the creator of the skiltaire (also known as skiltare) species, intelligent sentient weasel-like spacefaring aliens which were created in 1971[8] as a non-human sentient species for a series of science fiction stories.

Skiltairea have been depicted by numerous artists and were selected as mascots of the Cartoon/Fantasy Organization and Mark's home, The Prancing Skiltaire.

Literature[edit]

As a writer, Mark was involved with several fandom periodicals, including Touch, In-Fur-Nation and the Western Weyr (a Chronicles of Per fanzine). He was a co-writer on the furry role-playing game Other Suns (which included his Skiltaire species), and had written non-fiction articles for FurVersion and Shanda Fantasy Arts's New Horizons.

Mark's stories for the First Light Pride appeared in comic form in New Horizons, and were reprinted in Four Footed Furries, another Shanda Fantasy Arts publication.

Awards and recognitions[edit]

Mark Merlino was co-winner, along with his partner Rod O'Riley, of the 2022 Good Furry Award Lifetime Achievement. His influential role was also recognized in the 2020 furry documentary film, The Fandom, showcasing his significant contributions.

He is heavily mentioned on Fred Patten's non-fiction book about the furry fandom, An Illustrated Chronology of Furry Fandom, 1966–1996.[9]

Death and remembrances[edit]

After a series of brain strokes for which Mark Merlino was hospitalized, it was discovered during a screening on February 9, 2024, that he had Stage IV liver cancer.[10] He passed away in his sleep at home during the early morning hours of February 20, 2024.[11]

Merlino's passing was talked about heavily on social media, especially X to the point that his name trended on X's "What is happening" board.[12] A great deal of known furry figures, events, and conventions added their condolences online.[13][citation needed]

On FurryMUCK, a small memorial to Mark was placed at the base of his statue on Sable Street.

References[edit]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 #1 - Sy Sable (Mark Merlino), The Greymuzzle Archives. Podcast. Retrieved January 13, 2023.
  2. ↑ Cartoon/Fantasy Organization entry on the Fanlore website. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
  3. ↑ Who are the furries? article by Denise Winterman on the BBC News Magazine. Retrieved November 13, 2009.
  4. ↑ The Fandom: A Furry Documentary FULL MOVIE video by Ash Coyote on YouTube. Retrieved January 13, 2023.
  5. ↑ Oklacon 2004 Event Schedule page on Oklacon 2004's website. Retrieved November 24, 2010.
  6. ↑ OCSFC Presenters page on the Orange County Science Fiction Club's website. Retrieved February 21, 2024.
  7. ↑ Ask a Graymuzzle Anything panel page on Megaplex 2023's website. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
  8. ↑ Skiltaire in Traveller splash page on Imverod.com's website. Retrieved February 21, 2024.
  9. ↑ An Illustrated Chronology of Furry Fandom, 1966–1996 article on Flayrah. Retrieved February 21, 2024.
  10. ↑ Help a True Fandom Original. post by Rodney Stansfield on GoFundMe. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  11. ↑ He's gone. post on The Prancing Skiltaire's X account. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
  12. ↑ So many people are mourning the loss of Mark Merlino right now. post on X. Retrieved February 21, 2024.
  13. ↑ We at Furry Fiesta are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mark Merlino (Sy Sable) post on Texas Furry Fiesta's X account. Retrieved February 20, 2024.

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