Terry Halifax
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Aug 23/02) - Last Friday, Inuvik said goodbye to a teacher, mentor and friend to hundreds.

Nora Dixon retired from her job as head librarian and said goodbye to the job and Inuvik, as she and her husband, former Inuvik mayor George Roach, moved to Alberta Beach.

Inuvik Centennial Library staff said goodbye to retiring head librarian Nora Dixon last Friday with a party in her honour. Here, Nora says goodbye to Lois Ross. - Terry Halifax/NNSL photo

Long-time library member Vicki Billingsley said Dixon meant as much to the library as she was to the school system.

"She has done all the things a teacher does, but over and above that, the work she's done with counselling and with committees," Billingsley said.

Dixon moved to Inuvik in 1981 to teach. She started a daycare at Samuel Hearne senior secondary which allowed single mothers to attend school.

"That ran for a couple of years, but was discontinued when it was no longer needed," Billingsly said.

Dixon retired from teaching and was hired as head librarian in 1999.

"She brought control, routine and a great deal of organization to the library, which will stand in really great stead because the systems are in place for other people to carry on," she said.

Town manager Jerry Veltman and assistant deputy Mayor Denny Rodgers were on hand to say goodbye to Dixon.

"I know when you came here, the library was in a little bit of a turmoil and your great organizational skills quickly resolved that," Rodgers said.

He also commented on Dixon's work with the youth with after-school programs and bade a fond farewell.

"On behalf of the mayor, town council and myself, we wish you well with your future endeavours, because nobody ever retires, you just move on to other things," he said.

Dixon was short on words, but took time to thank the staff, the town and the people of Inuvik for making her time here a memorable 20 years.