Jason Emiry
Northern News Services
Published Friday, August 22, 2008

SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Vivian Squires resigned from her position at the Yellowknife Seniors' Society on Thursday, July 31, to take on a position with the Diavik diamond mine.

"I had a job offer I just couldn't turn down," said Squires, who took on a position as housekeeping supervisor with the mine.

Squires became the CEO of the seniors' society on April 10, 2006. She and her husband Dennis first came to Yellowknife in 1987. They operated the airport restaurant in the 1990s and then again from 2004 to 2006.

Squires was Health Minister Sandy Lee's assistant between 2003 and 2004.

"She really made that job something special," said Lee, of Squires' involvement with the Seniors' Society.

"It wasn't just a job for her. It was her mission to brighten up seniors' days. She lived and breathed that job. She was able to get seniors motivated. Her enthusiasm and devotion to the well being of seniors was so strong. She gives everything she has and we have to respect her choice. Even when she isn't feeling well she is never down."

Recently Squires was instrumental in creating a calendar with Health and Social Services which featured photos of seniors and elders giving health and safety tips.

Some citizens in Yellowknife also feel that she will be greatly missed in the position.

"The year she turned 50 she had them block off part of Franklin so she could dance down the street," said Katherine Youngblut. "They're going to miss her at the seniors' society."

"Everyone was very disappointed that she left, but she has all this energy and likes new challenges," said Mabel Collinson. "We could understand her moving on. She brought a real good enthusiastic feeling to the place. She was excellent."

"It'll be very hard to replace her," said Esther Braden. "She certainly contributed to the success of the organization. Vivian is a people person. I hope that Diavik recognizes that very soon and puts her to work in that kind of capacity."