Fort Simpson (Sep 24/04) - After years upon years of dedication, it was time for an afternoon of recognition, a barbecue and a little golf.

A few dozen public servants were saluted for their long-term GNWT service on Friday.

Some, such as Paul Kraft and Ross Hagen, have criss-crossed the map over the past few decades. They served in remote Eastern Arctic communities when Nunavut was part of the NWT.

Hagen, who is now area manager for RWED in Fort Liard, recalled a local elderly woman weeping as he awaited his last flight from the Resolute Bay airport after being stationed there for a year and a half.

One man told him at the time, "You're like one her kids leaving," Hagen recounted, adding that people in the Eastern Arctic are extraordinarily nice.

When he arrived at his new work site of Iglulik, practically the whole community was on hand to meet their new wildlife officer.

"It was a totally different feeling than you'd ever get in Ontario anywhere," he said. "It's just nice to be welcome."

Kraft, who is the Deh Cho's superintendent for RWED, said although the job has changed a lot over the years, it has allowed him to do many interesting things and meet many fascinating people.

"There's always something different to do and tasks to be met," he said. "It certainly isn't repetitive."

Dave Walsh and Raymond Michaud have spent their entire government careers in Fort Simpson.

Michaud, who started as a plumbing and oil burner mechanic apprentice, is now maintenance co-ordinator. He has taken a number of apprentices under his wing and said he's always found it rewarding to watch other people "move up in life."

Walsh, an engineer at the steam plant, said between his job and golf, he feels like every day is a holiday.

"I feel like I could do another 25 (years). It's just easy come, easy go."