Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to follow up on my colleague Mr. Dolynny’s statement on recognizing our aviation leaders, and mark the passing of a highly respected member of our community and a pillar of our aviation industry, Paul Laserich.
Paul passed away November 19th at his home here
in Yellowknife, aged a mere 52 years. His passing came all too soon after the death of his beloved mother, Margaret Rose, this past summer.
Aviation and community service were the stuff of Paul’s life from the time he first moved with his family to Cambridge Bay in 1967. At the side of his father, Aviation Hall of Fame member Willy Laserich, Paul grew up in the traditions of community service and business excellence. With Margaret, sister Joanne, brother Rene and niece Jesce, the Laserich family provided the vital transportation and air evacuation services that improved and often saved lives in the most trying of circumstances.
As general manager, Paul carried on and expanded the Adlair tradition, building a business with roots firmly established in the Kitikmeot and Yellowknife. As a Yellowknifer, Paul was the epitome of community services. I can’t improve upon the words of Dan O’Neill’s eulogy at his memorial last week:
Paul William Laserich, our friend, with a heart bigger than his hangar, an aviation visionary, a flamboyant ambassador of the North with an uncommon magnetism and frenetic energy, a huge love of family, friends and the North.
Whether providing corporate support to the hospital and disabilities council, sponsoring a golf tournament, donating to the Yellowknife and Cambridge Bay food banks, or just plain helping out friends, Paul offered and delivered with goodwill and energy. When I phoned Paul in October, he
offered his hangar for my nephew Matthew’s memorial before I could even get the first word of request out. We’ll miss Paul Laserich cruising around town in his cherry red caddy and outback hat, his business skills and mentorship, and his ready laugh and helping hand. The North is richer for his life. Please join me in recognizing a life of service and generosity. Mahsi.
