Cambridge Bay (Apr 04/05) - Luke Novoligak died last week.

The well known elder is believed to have been 89 at the time of his death, March 28.

In life Novoligak was always on the go - hunting, riding around on his snowmobile in the winter and all terrain vehicle in the summer.

He was also a lay minister with the Anglican Church.

"He lived in two worlds, and he embraced them both with grace and dignity," said Bruce Peterson, remarking on the amazing life Novoligak lived.

Peterson married Luke's daughter, Lorraine. The Petersons looked after Novoligak in his final days. But until the end, Novoligak took great pride in being independent and going out on his Ski-Doo.

"He enjoyed the company of a lot of people. His grand kids and great-grand kids. He lived a long life and allowed us to enjoy his company while he was here," said Peterson.

"He was a grand old man. We're going to miss him."

Johnny Lyall married Luke's daughter, Margaret. She has since passed away.

Luke has four girls, and two sons still living, and two adopted children as well, said Lyall.

"Everybody I see around, whites or Inuit, say they are missing him," said Lyall.

Angela Butt, general manager of the Co-op, in Cambridge Bay said the staff will miss Luke.

"He always dropped in for coffee, every day," said Butt. "He was very friendly. He always smiled."

The Community Hall where the funeral service was held on Thursday, March 31, is named after Luke.

Peterson recalls being one of the people in charge of naming the hall back in the 1980s.

"His name was on the list," recalled Peterson. "He was 70 then, and when he found out he said, 'I'm not an elder. Why am I on the list?' He was a humble man. He amazed me."

Born near Bathurst Inlet, Luke was a hunter and worked for the Hudson Bay company.

He kept his active lifestyle until the end.

Luke had cancer. But only fell ill a short time before he died.

"As sad as we are we'd like to think it's a celebration," said Peterson shortly before heading to the Community Hall for the funeral on Thursday. A charcoal portrait of Luke hangs in the hall that bears his name.

"He was giving 'er right to the end," said Peterson. "Even in his dying days he said 'Don't cry for me. Take care of your families, take care of each other.' He was a family man. He doted on his family. Family was everything to him."