SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - The City of Yellowknife is mourning the death of Pat McMahon who died on Monday morning. She grew up in Northern Canada and came to Yellowknife in 1968.

"She was a very strong leader. She had a way of bringing people together. She expressed her opinions honestly. I liked working with her because she got things done," said city Coun. Bob Brooks.

Pat McMahon, a one-time alderman and mayor, died on Monday. She was well known for her dedication to the city and the North. - NNSL file photo

"Sometimes people found her abrasive, but later they would appreciate her no-nonsense approach. She wore her approach on her sleeve inside and outside of the mayor's office," said Brooks.

McMahon worked at a variety of jobs in retail, real estate sales, travel and tourism, and eventually became alderman for the City of Yellowknife, a position she held for seven years.

She served on all council committees and was a volunteer for many community organizations. She was first elected mayor of Yellowknife in 1987, serving three terms until 1994.

"I remember when Queen Elizabeth was here in 1994," former city coun. Blake Lyons recalled.

"Pat and the Queen were both dressed in their finest. Pat was wearing a very nice ring. The Queen said, 'Quite an impressive ring.'

'You have quite an impressive bauble, too,'" McMahon replied.

"The ice was broke and they had a great time together," said Lyons.

"Pat was a visionary," Lyons added.

"She was always looking for ways to improve the future of the city. She would look out her office window and see how she wanted the city to look. She was passionate about the city. Yellowknife was her home and she always wanted the best for it."

Pat was the co-owner/operator of two businesses, an aircraft maintenance company and a security inventory company.

She was the elected the president of the Northwest Territories Association of Municipalities and travelled to Russia, England, Scotland, Alaska, Norway, and Zimbabwe on municipal business.

"She took Yellowknife through a difficult time after the Giant Mine explosion and strike," said Frame Lake MLA Wendy Bisaro.

"She was never afraid to take on an issue. She stood by her decisions. She would go to the wall and back for a decision. She was an excellent role model for women who get into politics. She was proud to be leading this city."

In 1983, McMahon was presented with the NWT Tourism Award by the Government of the Northwest Territories, and in 1992 she received the commemorative medal of Canada 125 from the Commissioner of the NWT on behalf of the Governor General. McMahon attempted to enter territorial politics in 1999. She lost to Brendan Bell by a 12-vote margin in the Yellowknife South district.

"I enjoyed working with her on city council," said former coun Marie Coe.

"She was down to Earth. She took the time to get other people's opinions before she made decisions."

"We were always proud of her. Her work with Daughters of the Midnight Sun promoted women's independence in the North and helped raised money for worthy causes," said Sean McMahon, Pat's son.

"Even with all of her success she still put family first. She brought us together. She wanted to do so much more with her family. She had a six-month illness and finally lost the fight. She was 63. We are sad to see her go," said Shawn.