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LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON - To many people in Fort Simpson Allan Anderson Sr. was a hero.

Citizens paid their respects to the Second World War veteran who died this past summer at a memorial service held at the Fort Simpson Recreation Centre.

Anderson Sr. was the last surviving veteran in the community who had fought for Canada in the Second World War.

Allan Anderson Sr. with his great grandson Austin in July 1993. - photo courtesy of Allan Anderson Jr.

Anderson was part of the Edmonton-based 418 "Mosquito" squadron. The squadron had the best combat record in the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War, destroying 178 enemy aircraft - 105 in air-to-air combat.

The ceremony not only commemorated Anderson's war experiences but also the role he played in shaping a community.

"It's an honour to commemorate someone so important to the community," Mayor Duncan Canvin said. "He was a very valuable person and businessman in the community. More importantly, he was a good friend, someone with a great demeanour and just a very friendly person.

"The void he has created will be extremely hard to fill. He was a great member of our community."

More than 100 people attended the service including NWT Commissioner Anthony Whitford and Lt.-Col. Bertrand Poisson from Whitehorse.

Poisson said it was an honour to pay his respects to someone who represented his country and his community in a time of need.

"He was a very prosperous person," Poisson said.

"He gave to his country and to his community. They fought for a better life and we wouldn't have what we do without people like Allan."

During the ceremony a trophy was announced in memory of Anderson. The Anderson Memorial Cup will be given annually to the cadet that best exemplifies outstanding dedication towards the cadets and the community.

"It's truly an honour to have an award named after someone who was so important to the community and so involved in cadets," Cadet Alicia Norris said, accepting the trophy on behalf of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets Corps in Fort Simpson.