She did her best to help those around her in any capacity she could and even when she learned she was dying that didn't change.

Diagnosed with adrenal cancer over a year ago, Beck faced her illness with stout resolve, never surrendering during an admittedly losing battle.

"I'm not planning on dying, but I don't have an option," she said in her last interview with Northern News Services in October.

Beck, who was born in Calgary but lived almost all her life in Yellowknife, died at her home on Dec. 29. She was 48.

She lived a full and diverse life said her husband, Richard, and their son, John.

She ran her own newspaper, called the Northern Star, and served as the president of the NWT Status of Women Council.

As well, she was an avid outdoorsperson, a dedicated volunteer, a mother, a wife and a good friend.

Richard and John remember hunting in the spring and winter with her and she would, as often as possible, watch them dog sled race. They remember her being their biggest fan.

"She certainly will be missed," said Richard.

"I lost a great partner."

When asked what his fondest memories of his wife were he said he found it hard to pick just one.

"There are a lot of memories for me. We were together since we were kids, we were together for 30 years," he said.

Vi's courage facing death was inspiring. Richard said she did a lot to help the people in her life prepare for that inevitability.

"One of the things she left behind for me and the kids was she got us ready for her death. She prepared us to carry on," said Richard.

"She said to us 'When I go you'll be hurt, but do not mope around. After the funeral pick yourselves up and continue on.' "

Vi also tried to help others accept her death. She left behind a letter that was to be read at her funeral.

In that letter she shared her life philosophy and imparted advice urging those listening to live better and be better to each other.

"We are very complicated beings and there are many parts to us. We're not just white or Metis or German or aboriginal or combinations thereof, we're whole persons and we need to look after that entire person, not just one part of us.

"We can focus on a particular part for a short period of time, but sooner or later we'll be neglecting other parts and that's where the pain comes in. It's the heart that is important, not money, not material things, but the whole heart. That's where peace comes from," she wrote.

In her eulogy written by friend Rosemary Cairns and delivered by another friend Anke Tuininga, Cairns related some of the many experiences, challenges and strengths of Vi's life.

Aside from her husband Richard and oldest son John she is survived by two other children Brent and Heather.