TTHEK'EHDELI/JEAN MARIE RIVER - On May 7 Jean Marie River lost a well-respected community member who will be remembered as a dedicated leader and a caring family man.

Fred Norwegian died in Stanton Territorial Hospital from cancer at the age of 69. His life was celebrated during a service on May 11 in Fort Simpson that filled the Thomas Simpson School's gym with family, friends and regional leaders.

Fred Norwegian, seen here working as the acting band manager in April 2009, was an active part of the Jean Marie River First Nation's band structure from 1997 up to his death on May 7. - NNSL file photo

"Jean Marie River has lost a valuable person and he will be sadly missed," said Andy Norwegian, Fred's brother, during the eulogy.

Norwegian was born on Aug. 9, 1941 to Louie and Bella Norwegian of Jean Marie River. After high school Fred worked at the experimental farm in Fort Simpson. He continued his education at Fairview College in Alberta where he studied agriculture.

Fred's career path changed when he became a manpower manager with the federal government in Fort Simpson in the late 1960s. His life was also changed when he married Mavis Michel on June 26, 1970.

In the mid-1970s the couple moved to Yellowknife with their two daughters, Maxine and Connie, where Fred continued working as a manpower manager. He later worked for the South Slave Career Development Centre and as the manager of the language bureau. The family also grew with the births of Angela and Pamela.

In 1997, Fred returned home to work as the Jean Marie River Nation's band manger, a position he held until 2003 when he did one term as the first nation's chief. In 2006 Fred retired at the age of 65 because of failing health. Despite undergoing surgery Fred remained an active band councillor and a member of the District Education Authority as well as a number of other boards.

In early 2009, Fred returned to work as Jean Marie River's acting band manger and he was the acting chief at the time of his death. Fred had also served as the sub-chief.

"Fred cared very much for his community, the Deh Cho region and he gave his very best," Andy said.

When he wasn't working, Fred and Mavis enjoyed spending time at their cabin at Poplar River. He liked hunting in the fall and eating dry meats and fish, Andy said.

Fred enjoyed serving his community, said Margaret Ireland, one of his sisters.

Fred believed that as a community in the centre of the Deh Cho Jean Marie River could do wonders, despite its small size, if all the residents pulled together, Ireland said.

"Even though there's a lot of challenges there's a lot of opportunities," is something Fred believed Ireland said.

She said she will remember Fred's distinctive personality.

"He was quiet, easy going. Not very much seemed to rattle him," said Ireland.

Fred was passionate about his family. He enjoyed hosting cookouts in his backyard where the family came together for traditional foods and to share stories.

"He wanted his daughters to grow up wise, courageous and successful and it's very clear he achieved this," Andy said.

Connie McNab said her father wanted not only to give all of his daughters roots, but also wings.

"He was very, very kind. He let us make our own decisions," McNab said.

When any of the children asked questions involving "why" or "how come" Fred would let them discover the answers by themselves instead of immediately providing the solution.

"He would just say that's the way it is," said McNab

Fred had a quiet grace, she said. He didn't speak often but when he did he had a lot to say and he made his points clearly.

"I think it's hard to sum up a lifetime of fond memories to just one specific one," said Pamela Norwegian, the youngest daughter, "but I think that only someone who was very close to my dad can truly appreciate his funny sense of humour - as serious as he looked to some people - and how much he will be missed by his girls."

Fred is survived by his wife Mavis, his four daughters and three grandchildren as well as his mother, four brothers and three sisters.