Mahsi cho, Madam Speaker. Today I would like to acknowledge the passing of three Tu Nedhe constituents.
Marina Catholique-Norton was born January 21, 1954, and passed away February 22, 2012. Marina was only 48 years old and passed away in her sleep. Marina is survived by her husband, Robert Norton; her son, Lorenz Frank; sister, Mary Jane Michel; and brothers Herman, Joseph and Henry. Ray was considered to be her brother by her late parents, Pierre and Judith Catholique. Marina is also survived by numerous nieces, great-nieces, nephews, great-nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends. Marina will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, laughter and a great sense of humour.
Henry Yelle was born February 13, 1934, and passed away April 24, 2012. He was 78 years old. He also passed away in his sleep. Henry is survived by his daughter, Beverly Buggins; sister, Margaret Sayine; nieces Marie McKay, Irene Sayine, Marie Sayine; nephews Marcel McKay, Jerry Yelle, Gary Yelle, along with numerous great-nieces and nephews. Henry will be remembered for his hunting and fishing skills along with his participation in the Canadian Rangers where he was a valued volunteer and had familiarity with the land in the Tu Nedhe area. Henry was kind and also had a great sense of humour.
Lawrence Fred Fabien was born June 25, 1944, and passed away May 12, 2012. He was 68 years old. He passed away unexpectedly from heart failure. Lawrence is survived by his brothers Eddie, Henry, Don, Robert; and his sisters Rita, Angie, Kaye, Helen and Lorraine, along with a total of 25 nieces and nephews. All of them had a real connection with Lawrence. Lawrence’s family describe him as a real kind gentleman with a great sense of humour. Lawrence retired from the GNWT Environment and Natural Resources after working 33 years of seasonal employment as a crew coordinator, fire technician, and fire base manager for the South Slave regional office.
I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted.
Lawrence was highly respected in his position at ENR. The DM and many ENR employees from across the North attended his funeral. ENR presented Lawrence’s family with a pulaski – an axe with a blade and a hook on the back – a hardhat, and a plaque to honour and remember him. Another fire expert described him as the best fire behaviour specialist she knew. All of Lawrence’s pallbearers were from his fire crew and they were fully equipped with their firefighter’s uniforms.
Lawrence is also a part of the team that wrote the Chipewyan language dictionary, which was launched on March 26, 2012.
My sincerest condolences go out to the family and friends of Marina, Henry and Lawrence.
