Gary Robinson was born in Yellowknife in 1981. During his school years, he was eager to begin working for his family’s transportation and construction business full time. Upon graduating from Sir John Franklin High School he focused on his career, gaining a broad range of skills and earning the respect of those with and for whom he worked. (continued below)

The passion Gary felt for his work was intertwined with his love of Yellowknife. There was no place else he would have rather lived and grown up. He saw opportunities here for those who were willing to work hard and play hard.

Gary approached recreation with the same zeal as work. Each new season brought boundless opportunities for spending time out on the land. Gary enjoyed sharing moments with his family and friends while camping, hunting, fishing, snow-boarding – he loved it all. While out having fun, or working on the job, preparedness was always important to Gary. He strived to be self-sufficient with the right skills and equipment for any contingency. He was known to come to the aid of anyone in need, strangers or friends. He was quick to help others and quicker yet to make little of the deed. He felt that things had a way of evening themselves out in the long run.

In the winter of 2004, at the age of 23, Gary was accidentally killed doing the work he loved, in the place he loved. His memorial fund provides financial support to those individuals or charitable organizations involved in search and rescue/recovery or emergency response activities. Through this fund, it is his family’s hope that Gary will continue to protect and help the people of this place that he loved so much.

Donations to the Gary Robinson Memorial Fund are still accepted. Please contact the Yellowknife Community Foundation for information about making a donation or applying for a grant.