Karen Mackenzie
Northern News Services
Published Monday, September 3, 2007

IQALUIT - Six months after a winter tumble nearly cost him his life, Mick Mallon is looking hale and hearty, with an irrepressible grin spread across his tanned face.

Mick Mallon points to his amputated pinky while wife Alexina Kublu looks on. The well-known Iqaluit Inuktitut teacher, who suffered severe frostbite and multiple injuries during a fall in February, is enjoying his returning health. - Karen Mackenzie/NNSL photo

The prominent Inuktitut teacher suffered severe frostbite and an amputated pinky, shattered ribs and a punctured lung in February, after falling during a walk between Apex and Iqaluit.

"My X-rays have been handed around like pornographic pictures," he said.

But months of painful physiotherapy - "seven ways to help and they all hurt" - have paid off, and by August the boating enthusiast defied expectations by getting back on the water in Victoria, B.C.

"And if there is anyplace I feel able, as opposed to disabled, it's in that boat," he said of his new front-rower, which enables him to "row" using foot pedals.

Life has been tweaked in a few other areas to accommodate for his injuries. He is growing accustomed to the "hunt and peck" method of typing. There's a new automatic vehicle to replace his old standard, and doors are easier opened with a folding key grip.

"We came across so many gadgets," said his wife, Alexina Kublu.

And then there's the issue of buttons: "I don't wear those anymore," he said, gesturing to his zippered coat.

In between stints in Ottawa, Victoria, and Yellowknife, Mallon recently visited with Jimmy Noble and Matthew Akavak, the Iqaluit residents who found him in the snow.

"I presented them with a small token. I don't know how much my life is worth, but it was just a little thing," Mallon said.

The Irishman, who taught Inuktitut in Iqaluit for over 40 years, said he would love to return to teaching once his stamina is built up. But for now, he is enjoying his family, the summer and his growing health.

"I've become a lot more aware of what people have to put up with. My situation is kind of intriguing, but not as difficult as some," he said.

"I think I'm becoming a more sensitive human being," he added, with a nudge to his wife and a twinkle in his eye. "Well, aren't I?"