Tara Kearsey
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (June 14/02) - The sudden death of well-known Yellowknife resident Regina Amagonalok has saddened those who knew her.

Amagonalok, 51, was found dead in her home Tuesday morning by her common-law spouse, Stan (The Man) Larocque. The cause of death, as of press time, was not known pending autopsy results.

Affectionately known as 'Little Regina' to anyone and everyone who frequents the downtown area, Amagonalok's friends remember her as kind-hearted and energetic with a smile for everyone.

Those who spent time with her on the streets of downtown Yellowknife will never forget her.

"She was one of the strongest small persons I know," said friend Peter.

"She always got respect from everyone even though she didn't know them," he added.

Lloyd, a long-time acquaintance of Amagonalok, said she understood him and even called him 'Uncle'.

"Everybody knew her and everybody watched out for her," he said.

"She was a beautiful girl," said Goldie. "Life with her was something."

Long-time friend Patsy Cline said she has known Amagonalok since they were kids in Inuvik and Fort Good Hope.

"I'll never forget her," she said.

John affectionately called Amagonalok 'Short Cook,' and was quick to walk to the liquor store to buy her a little mickey whenever she asked.

"Sometimes she's miserable when she's hungover, but not often. She's always very nice," he said.

"I never thought she was going to croak. She's always had so much energy," said John.

Adele said Amagonalok was a "very cool woman" and Adele would never turn her down when she asked for spare change.

"Everyone always treated her good. She was friendly, she never hurt nobody's feelings or nothing. She was very kind-hearted," she said.

Post office employee Dale Bouchard says Amagonalok would visit every day to see if there was any mail for her or her common-law spouse.

"She was always happy, always in a good mood and wondering how we were doing.

"For street people, this is like a second home. It seems to be a central meeting place," she said.

Bouchard said she and the other employees always worried about Amagonalok, telling her to keep herself warm and be careful.

"She will be sadly missed by all of us, that's for sure," said Bouchard.