Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (May 06/01) - Former MLA Goo Arlooktoo passed away suddenly and unexpectedly last Tuesday night at his home in Iqaluit.

Goo Arlooktoo died suddenly at home in Iqaluit, leaving those who loved him in Nunavut and the NWT shocked and saddened. - Kerry McCluskey/NNSL photo

Arlooktoo, 38, will be missed by hundreds of people in Nunavut and the NWT. An autopsy is being performed to determine a cause of death.

Known for his generosity and warm sense of humour, the picture many paint of a man widely known by his first name is filled with mirth, kindness and the desire to see Inuit succeed.

"It certainly hit home. It was like losing a brother," said Jimmy Akavak, a close relative and constant companion.

"We grew up together in Kimmirut," he said. "He was a good man."

After leaving home at about the same age, both Arlooktoo and Akavak lived in Yellowknife and Iqaluit. They went hunting together, their children played together and their wives are friends. Akavak said Arlooktoo was the sort of man who would help others before he helped himself.

"He never had any harsh words for anybody. He was always trying to help people and sometimes he forgot about himself," said Akavak.

Paul Suvega rounded out the group, which became a regular trio at Iqaluit's restaurants and coffee shops.

"We talked about everything and anything friends talked about," said Suvega. "He made you feel good to be around him. He was a great optimist."

Suvega and his family are spending a great deal of time with Arlooktoo's wife, Dorothy Zoe, and their four children. He said they are doing as well as can be expected and are receiving support from family members who flew in from Yellowknife, Rae-Edzo and Kimmirut.

Suvega said he and Akavak talked about Arlooktoo and how they had to continue with their own lives out of respect.

"The best thing we can do is move forward and try to live."

People who knew Arlooktoo were also amazed at what he managed to accomplish in such a short life. Most recently the executive director of the Qikiqtaaluk Wildlife Board, he played a key role on the board of the 2002 Arctic Winter Games.

He spent a term as head of the Nunavut Liquor Commission, helped draft Nunavut's decentralization blueprint and ran for president during the last Nunavut Tunngavik election.

It was the job of MLA for South Baffin in the government of the Northwest Territories that gave him his biggest profile. Arlooktoo joined the cabinet as minister of justice and housing, and served as deputy premier and, briefly, as premier when Don Morin was forced to resign due to a conflict of interest.

Leaving a hole

Nunavut Commissioner Peter Irniq met Arlooktoo in 1987, as the new MLA was getting his feet wet in the world of politics. "His shoes will be very hard to fill," said Irniq. "He would have been one of the great leaders in Nunavut. He already was, but he had so many political opportunities."

Irniq was in Resolute at the time of Arlooktoo's death. Jack Anawak phoned him to let him know what happened and Irniq immediately tried to phone Joe Arlooktoo, Goo's father and Kimmirut's mayor, as well as a former MLA.

Irniq said the hole left in our lives should encourage the rest of us to try harder to make life easier.

John Amagoalik worked with Arlooktoo during the planning stages of the new territory. A co-consultant in an Iqaluit firm, Amagoalik said Arlooktoo's drive and clarity was a blessing prior to the formation of Nunavut.

"Goo was responsible for keeping things under control on the GNWT's side. He guided the creation of Nunavut through troubled waters," said Amagoalik. "He had a calming effect and didn't panic when others around him were."

Amagoalik said he'll miss the way Arlooktoo inspired comfort in people: "He kept his eye on the ball."

Final arrangements were not announced by press time but a funeral will likely be held in Iqaluit early this week. In addition to his wife and children, he also leaves behind family in Iqaluit, Kimmirut, other Baffin communities and the NWT.