He knew the value of a good education and would rather have money aimed at that, says his sister, Faith Embelton, of Yellowknife.

Embelton is referring to the Dan & Mary Harvey Educational Memorial Fund, set up after Dan's death from a car accident in early December.

The 57-year-old Harvey was Kugluktuk's coroner, but spent his 25-plus years there serving the community in many ways that had nothing to do with his profession.

Harvey served as chair of the district education authority, he helped build St. Andrew's Anglican Church and the mission house, and was known as a man whose hands were wide open when help was needed.

"Before he passed away, Dan said to me in a general conversation about death: 'I hate the thought of all those flowers dying. That's a lot of money for a short time'," Embelton explains.

The fund will be used to help special needs children in Kugluktuk schools.

Education was an important touchstone for Harvey, says his sister.

"This man absolutely loved children," she says.

"He knew the importance of education, that it gives people -- especially in smaller communities -- a broader view of the world."

The fund will be administered by Loretta Foley, a long-time personal friend of Harvey and deputy minister of education for the Northwest Territories.

"Dan knew education was the ticket to success," Dr. Foley says.

"I'm happy to have known him."

The fund does not have to grow to a massive size to have an impact, Foley says.

Monies collected will be spent at the discretion of the schools, probably for things like specific tools, books or computer enhancements that special needs children require.

"The money will be well spent," assures Foley.

Donations to the Dan & Mary Educational Memorial Fund can be made in care of the Yellowknife branch of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), 5001-50th Ave.; or call the bank at (867) 873-4452 for donation details.