Friends, family remember N.W.T.'s Tony Whitford as gracious, gregarious man who loved his work

Marc Whitford remembers his brother Tony as a man who stuck to his word, was generous and tough when it mattered, andnever forgot where he came from.

Tony Whitford, a longtime politician and former N.W.T. commissioner, died on Monday at the age of 83 at Stanton Territorial Hospital in Yellowknife.

"He was just a great, great example of what I thought everybody should be," Marc said.

"This guy could interact with the finest leaders in the world and not even miss a beat. Like, I really envy how that man could talk to people andrelate to people and how they could relate to him and how they immediately liked him."

Whitford was first elected to the N.W.T. Legislative Assembly in 1988. He served three terms as MLA and held many cabinet positions, as well as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, before retiring before the 2003 election.

At varying times, he serves as sergeant-at-arms for the legislature, executive assistant to the Commissioner of the N.W.T., and, in 2005, was appointed as Commissioner, a position he held for five years.

Charles Dent served as MLA with Whitford, and the two worked together closely on a number of community projects.

"If he gave his word that he was going to take a position, he'd stand by it," Dent said.

"It's something that I wish more politicians aspired to."

The Trailbreaker7:08Gerry Kisoun reflects on the life of Tony Whitford.

Gerry Kisoun is the territory's current commissioner. He joined Shannon Scott to reflect on the life of Tony Whitford.

Dent remembers when Whitford received his residential school settlement andused it to create a scholarship for students though the Yellowknife Community Foundation. Whitfordnamed it inhonour of his late wife, Elaine.

"He wanted to make sure the world was a better place," Dent said."He was so gregarious. He was such a warm, friendly person."

Gerry Kisoun, the N.W.T.'s current commissioner, said he met Whitford over 25 years ago. He also awarded him the Order of the Northwest Territories in 2016.

"He's a very gracious man. To be able to put that Order of the N.W.T. around his neck, it was quite a nice thing," he said.

"I think Tony was one of the best ambassadors we've ever had for the Northwest Territories."

Whitford's brother Marcremembers going out hunting on the land in Fort Smith as boys, and gathering firewood to sell in town.

"We were not a rich family. We were, you know, of a very modest means," Marc said. "So we went out and in an old Wells Fargo truck, the three of us said we'd go harvest wood."

His brother was also tough, Marcsaid,laying traps in the bush and living on the land when he wasn't working in politics.

The Trailbreaker8:10Charles Dent reflects on Tony Whitford's life and legacy.

Tony Whitford, the former commissioner of the Northwest Territories passed away yesterday. Charles Dent served as a MLA with Whitford. He joined Shannon Scott.

"He was not a great big hulking person as you could see, but he had that drive," Marc said.

Governor General Mary Simon also expressed her condolences to Whitford's family in a statement.

"Throughout his longstanding public service career, Mr.Whitford demonstrated commitment to the North and worked tirelessly to advocate for the rights and well-being of Indigenous people.His legacy not only has had a profound impacton our country, but will also inspire generations to come," Simon wrote.

The flags at the Legislative Assembly in Yellowknife have also been lowered to half-mast in Whitford's memory.

"Tony's legacy is woven into the very fabric of our assembly, and his contributions to public life are unmatched," N.W.T.Speaker Shane Thompson said in a statement.

"Tony was a cherished presence in our halls. His frequent visits, full of warmth, stories, and laughter, brought a special light to the assembly that we will deeply miss. I know I speak for staff and members when I say that his absence will leave a void in our hearts."

Tony Whitford on his long career as an N.W.T. politician

3 days ago

Duration 1:13

Longtime N.W.T. politician Tony Whitford was named to the Order of the N.W.T. in 2016. He spent three terms as a Yellowknife MLA.