Inuvik (Apr 23/04) - Inuvik lost a true friend April 4 with the passing of long-time resident Don Cave. On Saturday friends and family filled the Igloo Church to pay their respects to a man who, throughout his life, gave his time and energy to a town that he called home.

Born in Ottawa in 1937, Cave first came to Inuvik in 1961 as an employee of the Northern Canada Power Commission. Later, Cave started working for the Town of Inuvik, holding several positions until finally resigning his post as secretary manager in 1980 -- the most senior administrative position with the town -- to take a crack at private enterprise. In 1988, Cave took a position at Arctic Tire.

However, Cave could not be defined by his work alone. In 1983 he was elected to town council, where he served for eight years, notably garnering the popular vote each time he ran for public office.

Cave was a Justice of the Peace for 10 years and a dedicated member of the Inuvik Volunteer Fire Department, from 1963 to 1983.

As a sitting member of the town's planning and zoning committee and as a member of council, it was Cave's insight and opinions that were respected and his sense of humour that was beloved.

"He was a good man," said long-time friend Floyd Roland at Cave's memorial Saturday. "One thing I found about Don was that he always said it the way he saw it and he kept me focused."

The MLA and deputy premier said that he would always visit Cave at Arctic Tire upon his return from the legislative assembly in Yellowknife.

"I liked to get a bit of reality from him. He kept me grounded and shared his wisdom about how government should be run and decisions should be made."

When Cave wasn't influencing the political movers and shakers, he could often be found sharing a laugh and a wink at the Sunriser Cafe.

"He was one of the pillars of this community and he will be missed," said Vince Sharpe.