15th May, 2011, UMELIKJUAK ALONG WITH SOME INUKTATUK SYMBOLS WHICH WE BELIEVE IS “THANK YOU…” This was written in our Guest book, when John and Fred Camsell came to visit. They said they were coming just for one night , arrived on Friday and didn’t leave until Monday… and they could have stayed forever… we shared so many stories, and it was a pleasure to listen to John talk about his life, his wife and his children and grandchildren. Len and I met John in Cambridge Bay, NWT, early nineties. Len was job sharing the position of Site Manager NWS with Fred, and I was the Manager of the Co-Op Hotel. John like most of the people in town would often drop in to the hotel for morning coffee breaks. He was a big man in stature and he was a bit intimidating to me, 5ft 2in. John could also be found up at the Site visiting either with Len or Fred, whoever was on at that time. He would always bring someone along with him. From one visit to the next, it could be a villager, a co-worker from the Government Office, or even an MP. No not a Military Policeman, a full- fledged Member of Parliament. Yes he had many varied friends, and we were lucky to be among them… I didn’t actually get to know him as such while up North. I thought he was really rough looking and overbearing. To be truthfull , I was a bit nervous when he and Fred decided to come visit, but only for the short term. Once they arrived, I realized John was what I would describe in one word, “Nanuk” , but in my mind “The Gentle Bear”. The thing that surprised both Len and I was the fact that he loved cooking so much and we started to compare recipes, as I am in the process of finishing a Recipe book and Family Memories. He was interested and that kind of changed my whole idea of this gentle soul… After reading about all of his accomplishments, Len and I are even more intrigued by him, a few days ago, we were talking about going to the Ottawa, Winter Carnival, and Len said and we will look up John and Judy… we thought it would be nice to spend some time with him once more. What a book his life story would make. We will always remember his sense of humor. His parting creates a void that will never be filled. It was both a pleasure and a privilege to have known John. We extend our Sympathies to the family, and these words to help in this time of sorrow. “In the end, the true measure of a person is not the wealth left behind, but the richness of the memories he gave to others, and the final analysis, is the lasting impression he has made on people. “ Rest In Peace Dear Friend, we will remember you, and miss you… Len & Sandy Davis, North Bay, ON