Yellowknife, N.W.T. - One of Yellowknife's most well-loved and respected citizens is being remembered as someone who was a great teacher and a terrific supporter of hockey.

Ed Jeske died this past Saturday at Stanton Hospital at the age of 84.

Jeske was a former shop teacher and driving instructor at the Yellowknife Vocational Training School, now known as Sir John Franklin High School, beginning there in 1958 and retiring in 1989.

Beaton Mackenzie knew Jeske for more than 30 years as both a work associate and friend and said he was never short of a story or two about the city.

"He's been a friend to confide and he had lots of stories about Yellowknife and the history and past, and we'd share some dinners and share some hockey stories.

Hockey was one thing Jeske loved as both of his sons played for several years and he was a fixture at the Balsillie Cup every year, including 2012.

Mackenzie said Jeske was a hockey person through and through.

"He spent a lot of time tying a lot of skates and doing things for the community, and for his family, and for his grandson."

Jeske’s name will also live on forever thanks to the city after the Ed Jeske Olympic Arena was re-dedicated in his honour back in 2009 and according to mayor Gordon van Tighem, it was something Jeske couldn't believe.

van Tighem says Jeske felt he wasn't worthy of having an arena named after him.

“I remember being on the stage explaining it to him yet again and he still didn’t think he merited any of that,” he said. “He was excited it was happening, but modest enough to disclaim it as well.”

As per his last wishes, Jeske's funeral will be held this Saturday at Northern United Place, but a time has yet to be finalized.

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