CLYDE RIVER - Clyde River has lost one of its most respected and knowledgeable elders.

Pauloosie Paniloo, a 62-year-old former mayor, MLA and an active member of the Canadian Rangers, suffered a fatal heart attack on April 20 while taking part in a routine Rangers patrol.

Pauloosie Paniloo, a decorated member of the Clyde River Ranger Patrol, is believed to be the first Ranger to die while on duty. A heart attack took his life on April 20. - photo courtesy of the Department of National Defence

He was away inspecting a site of military interest approximately 200 kilometres from Clyde River.

"If I can put it this way, our right hand has been chopped away," Clyde River Ranger Patrol Sgt. Levi Palituq said. "We relied on him to teach the younger generation Rangers land skills, survival skills and traditional skills."

A full military funeral was being planned as of last week.

Capt. Conrad Schubert, spokesperson for the Canadian Forces, said it's believed that Paniloo is the first Canadian Ranger to have died while on duty.

Maj. Chris Bergeron, commanding officer of 1 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group, offered his deepest sympathies to Paniloo's family and comrades. Bergeron described him as a "true citizen-soldier," one who had earned the Canadian Forces decoration for long service and the Special Service medal.

Although Paniloo's body was airlifted from the area, several of his fellow Rangers returned to the community on April 25 with his gear in tow. They were met by a large crowd of community members in an emotional scene.

Paniloo served as MLA for Baffin Central from 1983-1987. He was also mayor of Clyde River for two years.

He was employed as a heavy equipment operator for much of his life and was very involved in the community, having been a member of the settlement council, the hunters and trappers association, the church committee, the housing association, the community Co-op board and an Inuit cultural instructor, according to biographical information from the Government of Nunavut.

As well, Paniloo was named to the NWT Water Board and the Nunavut Implementation Review Board.

He leaves behind a spouse, several adult children and numerous grandchildren.

He was a Ranger for 28 years, a very dedicated one, according to Palituq. He said each time he held a monthly Rangers meeting, Paniloo always had something of value to offer based on his vast experience.

"He was one of the very vocal Rangers when it came to discussing things," said Palituq. "It's a big blow to the Ranger patrol here."