Yellowknife (Feb 26/03) - Elaine Whitford, wife of speaker Tony Whitford, died of cancer Sunday at Stanton Territorial Hospital.

Whitford, 60, was born in Islay, Alta., near Lloydminster.

"Tony will be lost without her," clerk of the legislative assembly David Hamilton said on Monday.

"I wonder sometimes who was more popular, Tony or Elaine? She was well known, almost as well known as Tony. We used to call her 'Mrs. Speaker.' "

Sons Warren and Ian Whitford were in the visitors gallery Monday, along with Tony's brother, Richard Whitford.

During the break, members went to the gallery and offered their condolences and memories of their mother.

A visit and viewing for family and friends was held at Northern United Place on Monday from 7-9 p.m.

And the family is preparing a "Celebration of Life" in her memory on Saturday starting at 2 p.m.

What Hamilton, a family friend, remembers most about Whitford was her adventurous spirit.

"She would go anywhere, do anything," he said, mentioning her work in Nepal with Crossroads. "She was always game for anything."