A number of Yukon politicians, organizations and a mining company have released statements paying tribute to the late Dennis Fentie, who served as the Yukon’s premier from 2002 to 2011.

“Saddened today to learn of the passing of Dennis Fentie,” Pat Duncan, a former Liberal premier and the territory’s current senator, said last Friday afternoon.

“Dennis and I began our service in the Yukon Legislative Assembly in 1996. He was a tireless champion of Watson Lake and southeast Yukon, especially the forestry and mining industry, in the legislature in Pier McDonald’s government.

“His strong advocacy for the Yukon continued in opposition with the Yukon Party and as premier, Duncan said.

“No one takes on public life without the support of family and friends. My heartfelt condolences to Dennis’s family, his friends from Watson Lake and throughout the Yukon – thank you for loaning Dennis to public service.”

Duncan also offered her “sincere sympathy to our former colleagues in the Yukon Legislative Assembly and the public servants in the Government of Yukon. Dennis Fentie’s contribution to Yukon will not be forgotten. Again, my sincere sympathies.”

Yukon MP Larry Bagnell said he wished “to pay my respects to the family and friends of former Yukon premier Dennis Fentie on his passing.

“Dennis dedicated many of his years in public service to the Yukon,” said Bagnell, who was first elected two years before Fentie became premier

“We worked together collaboratively for nearly a decade from 2002 to 2011, and I applaud the efforts he went to, to rise above partisan interests, to support initiatives that he felt were beneficial to the good of all Yukoners.

“During that time, we were able to deliver some major projects, including the Canada Games,” Bagnell added.

“He will be missed by all Yukoners, and we will remember what he achieved for our territory.”

Premier Sandy Silver said last Friday afternoon “my colleagues and I were saddened to learn that former premier Dennis Fentie passed away last night.

“Mr. Fentie was a respected leader who served as Yukon’s premier for nearly a decade and passionately represented the people of Watson Lake and southeast Yukon for 15 years in the Yukon Legislative Assembly. 

“As an MLA, he fought hard to ensure rural Yukon communities were at the forefront of decision-making in the territory,” Silver added.

“Mr. Fentie’s distinguished career had an immeasurable impact on the territory and all Yukoners. On behalf of all Yukoners, my colleagues and I offer our condolences to his family, friends and former colleagues.”

The Yukon NDP said it was “saddened to hear of the recent passing of former premier Dennis Fentie. We would like to extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to his friends and family.

“Premier Fentie was a capable and passionate political leader in his representation of both his community and the Yukon,” the NDP said.

Kwanlin Dün First Nation Chief Doris Bill said the territory “lost a legend today.

“Dennis Fentie was a passionate leader who worked tirelessly to ensure Yukoners have the same level of services as the rest of Canada.

“He was a strong voice for Yukon at the national level who was not afraid to stand up for the needs of our territory,” Bill added.

“We thank him for his service, his dedication and his vision that contributed to making Yukon a better place to live. Our condolences go out to his wife, Lorraine, and to his family and many friends.”

The Association of Yukon Communities said it was similarly saddened by Fentie’s passing.

“Mr. Fentie advocated for better health care funding in the Yukon and promoted safer communities,” said president Tara Wheeler.

“Thanks to his efforts, Dawson and Watson Lake now have new hospitals. Dennis always had the best interest of Yukoners at heart.

“Deepest condolences to his family, friends and former colleagues.”

Golden Predator Mining Corp. noted today that Fentie is a former director of the company.

“Premier Dennis Fentie has lost his brave battle with cancer,” Golden Predator said.

“Dennis passionately and tirelessly served the Yukon for 10 years as premier before re-entering the private sector, where he brought the same passion, wisdom and enthusiasm as a key member of the company’s board until his resignation two weeks ago.

“On behalf of the board of directors, management and staff, we offer our sincere condolences to his widow, Lorraine, and his extended family and friends.”

“We all have lost a friend and a passionate advocate for the Yukon’s mining industry and the Yukon,” said William Sheriff, Golden Predator’s executive chairman.

“A tireless leader, Dennis fully embraced our agenda to meaningfully contribute to community development and expansion of the Yukon’s mining sector as we build a strong company for our shareholders.

“We are a stronger and better company due in large part to his influence, and our hearts go out to Lorraine, his family and friends at this time.”

Fentie’s life “is to be celebrated,” Sheriff said, “and his unparalleled contributions to the Yukon and our company have left a legacy for the future.”