Fort Simpson (Nov 12/04) - By many accounts, Nogha Enterprises is losing a man of inspiring strength and quiet resolve.

Dozens of friends and associates gathered at the Nahanni Inn last week to hail Lyall Gill, outgoing general manager of Nogha Enterprises.

Lyall Gill, who is stepping down as general manager of Nogha Enterprises, addresses guests at his surprise retirement party held at the Nahanni Inn on Nov. 2. - Derek Neary/NNSL photo

One by one, his colleagues rose and spoke of their admiration for his approach and accomplishments.

Gill and his wife, Rosemary, returned to Fort Simpson from the Yukon in August, 2001. With an extensive background in forestry, he took on a new challenge of growing the Liidlii Kue First Nation's economic development arm. In addition to the existing ferry contract and highway maintenance, construction and fire suppression divisions, Gill was the visionary behind the new 52-lot Nogha Heights subdivision, which he referred to as "a legacy project."

He has also been working towards the establishment of a new office building.

Under his guidance, the company's employment figures and revenue streams have risen steadily. Gilbert Cazon, who has worked closely with Gill at Nogha, described him as a visionary and an excellent role model. He said his boss was committed to improving safety standards and skill sets so Nogha Enterprises could sign even larger contracts.

"He helped us and pushed us a lot further than we'd ever thought we would be," said Cazon.

Ever determined, Gill would regularly show up at work, despite a long and arduous battle with cancer.

"There were days when you were concerned, you were wondering why he was there," Cazon admitted. "He figured that (his projects) were more important than one individual... he has that discipline."

Rod Gunderson, of the Department of Transportation, said Gill proved dynamic, but remained sensitive to the issues.

"If there was a problem, Lyall dealt with the problem. He was a fixer of things," Gunderson said.

"There is a certain charisma about him... I can't say one bad thing about Lyall."

A man of few words by his own admission, Gill was humbled by the praise of his colleagues.

He thanked his Nogha's business partners for doing their part.

"I steered but it took the support of a lot of different people to get (Nogha) where it is," he said.

Kevin Menicoche, MLA for Nahendeh, proposed a toast to Gill as someone who avoided the adversarial style of business and thereby helped unify the community.