Yukoners mourn loss of Gerry Thick

A man heavily involved in Yukon amateur sports for more than 30 years is being remembered as a straight shooter who worked extremely hard and cared passionately for his community.

Gerry Thick died last week at the age of 77.

Thick was manager of Northland Beverages for 46 years and served two terms as a Whitehorse city councillor but he's best known for his involvement in Yukon sports, especially softball, and his long association with the Arctic Winter Games (AWG).

Thick served on the AWG's international committee for 29 years, including 19 as its president, from 1995 to 2014.

"He was a multifaceted, really interesting individual," said George Arcand, who was friends with Thick for more than 50 years.

"I wish [everybody] could understand the depths of the man," he said.

"When he was on council, you saw one guy, when he was on the ball field, you saw another guy. And when we were sitting there BS'ing each other, I saw another guy."

Moira Lassen, operations coordinator with the Arctic Winter Games, said she first met Thick in 1995 when he bought five boxes of chocolate almonds from her daughter who was fundraising for her weightlifting club.

She said Thick was always willing to support youth.

"He always did it for the right reasons, for the kids to participate, for inclusivity, for volunteering," she said. "He really wanted people to be involved."

Arcand said Thick always thought sports could help kids in life.

"Sports is life," said Arcand. "You have to learn how to get along with people like you do in business, and it helps you in family. You know, it teaches you a lot, even if you don't realize it at the time."

Arcand said Thick was always involved in sports, first as a player, then as a coach and builder.

In fact, he