Hundreds gather in Yellowknife for Laserich memorial

Yellowknife-based pilotPaul Laserich, one of the North's most well-known aviators, was honoured at an emotionalmemorial ceremony Thursday.

Laserich, the general manager of the small family-owned airline Adlair Aviation Ltd.,died from natural causesNov. 19 in his Yellowknife home. He was 52.

Hundreds gathered for Thursday's tribute,which was held at 2 p.m. at the Adlair Air hangar in Yellowknife, to commemorate the pilot, as well as his mother, Margaret, who passed awayin September.

The family requested that donations be made in the memories of Laserich and his mother to the Yellowknife Salvation Army, the Yellowknife Food Bank, and the Cambridge Bay Food Bank in lieu of flowers.

Son an 'ambassador for the North'

Laserich, an experienced aviator who grew up in Nunavut, took over Adlair's operationsfrom his father,Willy Laserich, 28 years ago. The elder Laserich was known asa Northern legend and was inducted into the Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame last year.

Adlairs fleet of about five planes is based in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, where Paul Laserich grew up.

He was an avid fisherman wholived outhis later yearsin Yellowknife, wherehis companys administrative offices are based.

Laserich's sudden death shocked his sister, Joanne, who said the family was still devastated byhis unexpected passing.

She said her brother will be remembered as acharismatic local character in Yellowknife who wasknown for his kindness and generosity, having sponsored a $5,000 scholarship to Aviation Career Development Program.

'What can you say about a guy that knew everybody, and possessed a kindness and generosity most of us only dream about? Paul had an uncommon magnetism, a huge love of family, and the North.' Dan O'Neill, family friend

Friends at the memorial agreed that the manwould beremembered for his gregarious nature, and for being an ambassador for the North.

He was knownfor zipping around in his Cessna aircraft, or on the ground in his red convertible, and talking constantly.

"What can you say about a guy that knew everybody, and possessed a kindness and generosity most of us only dream about," said family friend Dan O'Neill. "Paul had an uncommon magnetism, a huge love of family, and the North."

Mother amatriarch of the aviation industry

Margaret Laserichwas remembered asa matriarch of the aviation industry, one whoadded a touch of glamour to Cambridge Bay and supported her husband, Willy, throughout his career.

"She always had her make up on and her hair done up every night when my Grandpa came off the plane," said one relative, Michelle Gillis. "She always made sure there was a meal there for everyone."

One of the mourners, Leona Aglukkaq, said Willy and Margaret Laserich flew herfrom Inuvik, N.W.T.to heradoptive family in Nunavut when she was an infant.

Aglukkaqsaid Margaret was like a mother to many in the Kitikmeot region of Nunavut, and her son Paul was agenerous friend.

"For over 40 years you have not only been there for people in the Kitikmeot but you've become one of us. And for everyone in the Kitikmeot, I say thank you," she said.

Aglukkaq addedthatthe young Laserich was always always on the move.

"Out of nowhere, he'd just get up and leave unexpectedly. You'd say 'where's Paul?' So I think I speak for everyone here today when I say Paul made his exit the way he always did, quick and unexpected."