Norman Wells (Feb 06/06) - Father Emmett Crough will be missed by the people in the Sahtu.

The Catholic priest died on Jan. 25. He was 78.

"He was a very dedicated man, who was always willing to help those in need," said Bishop Denis Croteau.

Crough came to the North in 2003 and worked mainly out of Norman Wells, but also travelled to Tulita, Deline and Colville Lake.

Crough always wanted to work in the North, and was approached by Croteau in 2003.

"He told me that missionary work in the Arctic was always one of his wishes," said Croteau.

"He said he had his pension, and did not want to be paid for his work here."

Crough was born on Dec. 23, 1927, in Calgary, and worked in construction primarily in Alberta in his younger years.

In 1949 he entered St. Joseph's Seminary in Edmonton, studied philosophy and theology and was ordained a priest on June 8, 1956.

"Emmett was very active for a man his age," said Croteau.

Replacing Crough will be a difficult choice, said Croteau. "I don't know where I'll find that man, or when."

The ideal candidate will have a good understanding of native culture, and have no problem travelling to smaller communities for services, Croteau said.