Inuvik (Mar 20/98) - Right to the very end, Slim Semmler clearly knew what was going on and for one to live four score plus, he has been blessed.

As young children in the early 60s, we knew him not as Slim but simply as Semmler from the store that he used to have, right where the Semmler Building is now located.

As many local people remember, he was a independent fur trader. At his store he stocked everything from needles and thread to crinoline skirts and oxford shoes for ladies. The trappers used to bring to him their best furs, whether it be muskrat, beaver, lynx or mink.

When we walked into his store, it was like walking into the Little House On The Prairie set. Groceries were behind the counter, and he always carried staples for those returning to their bush camps. Sacks of flour, sugar, tin cans of butter and corn syrup, and Klim powered milk. (That is what we grew up on, not ice cream.)

The other thing I remember from your store, Semmler, was the freezer that you had at the end of the counter that carried rabbit and fish, and sometimes dryfish. Those were the best times I remember, when we went in to "charge" our supplies.

Oh yeah, the chocolates that were our favorite were Pep-Chew and Fat Emma, it only cost us a nickel back then. Then there was the Bazooka bubblegum which came later and it cost us all but one cent.

We remember when you would stand outside and talk with some of the local men, all of you leaning against the veranda.

When you ran out of supplies you used to walk over to your warehouse, at that time it was over where the Northern Lights building sits. We used to live right behind your store, neighbors with Herbert and Emma Dick, our 512 used to sit right where the Perry Building is now. We remember during the spring, the water would rise between your store and Foreman's Store right up to the sidewalk.

As children we wondered why your burn barrel was always filled with rotten produce. We realized that the barge only came in every so often and the produce would come off the barge in bad

shape. We didn't tell you that as children we had fun throwing those oranges around.

Many local people remember your store which you and Agnes had out at Napoyak. We heard it was always busy just before Christmas and Easter.

Many local people remember your camp out in the Delta as well, where you also raised mink. Today we are happy to be able to go out to our camp, in which at one time you lived. The old log house still stands. There is also a lake and creek named in your honor -- today we pass by Semmler's Lake and Semmler's Creek when we travel to our camp.

Semmler, you have helped many people out over the years starting from when you first came to Canada. Many remember you from Krunuteson Point, all along the coast and especially the Delta.

You always enjoyed men who could talk with you about the fur prices in the Delta, and you liked the horse races as well.

I remember you when you always spoke highly of the Queen Mother and how your birthday was on the same day as hers. As you carefully listened to the radio, I think you watched out for her

well-being as well.

Well, Semmler, you have always been a gentleman and now you have the honor of opening the door for her when her time comes, and we can imagine the twinkle you'll have in your eyes then.

There will be a lot said about you and you can be sure that they will only be good news.

Your wife and family will always be remembered in our prayers. Many children will want to read about you.

So long, and thanks for the many great stories that you have shared with us, I really enjoyed them.

L.F. Semmler -- Born Aug. 4, 1900, Newberg, Ore. Died Mar. 15, 1998, Inuvik, NWT.