Photo by Whitehorse Star
A DEDICATED COMMUNITY PRESENCE – Chris Sorg is seen outside Murdoch’s Gem Shop in 2003. The late busi- ness owner was the catalyst in having the store’s historic sign refurbished and remounted in the early 2000s.
Late local business owner is praised for devotion to city
Referring to the late Chris Sorg as the mayor of Main Street, Mayor Laura Cabott paid tribute to the local businessman at the beginning of Tuesday evening’s council meeting.
Referring to the late Chris Sorg as the mayor of Main Street, Mayor Laura Cabott paid tribute to the local businessman at the beginning of Tuesday evening’s council meeting.
Sorg passed away last week at the age of 68. He had been diagnosed with cancer several years ago, and had undergone lengthy treatments in Vancouver.
Sorg had been invested in such Main Street businesses as Mac’s Fireweed Books, Murdoch’s Gem Shop and Paradise Alley. He had also owned Maximilian’s in Dawson City.
One of his community projects in the early 2000s was having the heritage Murdoch’s sign restored and prominently displayed.
Sorg cared deeply about the commercial health and appearance of the city core as the big box era arrived in Whitehorse some 20 years ago.
He launched an energetic campaign against litter and graffiti in the downtown area, and later became active with the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce.
The businessman also owned the Moose Creek Lodge off the North Klondike Highway in the 1980s.
Several years ago, before he fell ill, he was involved in the purchase of The Skagway News from longtime owner Jeff Brady. The newspaper was resold two years ago.
Sorg also served as the secretary treasurer of the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Society.
Cabott remembered Sorg as a very positive individual who always had advice on how to keep Main Street vibrant and beautiful.
“I would really like to recognize Chris for all the work he has done,” the mayor told Tuesday’s meeting.
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Comments (12)
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Jeff Brady on Sep 27, 2022 at 11:28 am
As a fellow bookseller and (briefly, for him) newspaper owner, I had a lot in common with Chris and got to know him well over the years as we shared stories from Moose Creek and Dawson to the other end of the Klondike Highway in Skagway and Dyea. He was a savvy businessman who had a good read on what worked for him, and what didn't. Our condolences to Sherry and his extended Main Street family.
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John Steins on Sep 10, 2022 at 11:15 pm
Chris embodied the true spirit of entrepreneurship. Always hard working, always fair, always thinking ahead while showing leadership and love for his community. I had the privilege of knowing him when he owned and operated Maximilian’s in Dawson. I am truly saddened to learn of his passing.
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Ann Asquith on Sep 10, 2022 at 10:08 pm
What a great loss to the community and his family. In the early days, my husband George and I used to love stopping and visiting with him at Moose Creek. Later, I had quite a few dealings with him when I was Branch Manager at the TD Bank and he was always a pleasure to deal with then. The world would be a better place if there were more people like Chris in it. Sherri, my heart goes out to you. Ann
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Doug Caldwell on Sep 8, 2022 at 4:46 pm
I first met Chris on the highway to Dawson City when I stopped to help him change a flat tire one winter. After that I would always stop in at Moose Creek for a bite of lunch or to refill the coffee thermos and talk about recent events often for far too long.
Chris was one of the old school Yukoners, always eager to begin a new venture and happy to lend a hand to others when required.
The Yukon needs more like him. Condolences to his friends and family.
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Ted Staffen on Sep 8, 2022 at 12:36 pm
Chris will be missed, a great Yukoner, an honest and caring business person and a great host particularly at Moose Creek!
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Deanna Slonski on Sep 8, 2022 at 8:32 am
RIP Chris. My sincere condolences goes out to his family and friends. I have had dealings both Chris and his lovely wife as a seller and purchaser over many years. I was always greeted with a smile, a kind word and professionalism.
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Betty Ann (Sorg) Berube on Sep 8, 2022 at 3:53 am
It is heart-warming to read about how much my brother Chris’s work and passion was appreciated. He was an amazing person who always put his heart and soul into everything he did! He often spoke to me about how much he believed in the people of Whitehorse and the surrounding areas and cared deeply about helping to maintain its splendor. He loved to make a difference! Please know that you made a difference in his life as well!! I live in NJ, USA and pray someday I get to visit your beautiful area. Rest In Peace my dear older brother. I will love you forever!!
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Shirly Ambrose on Sep 7, 2022 at 9:38 pm
Very sad news indeed. I had only great dealings with him and his business family, especially at the jemshop. He had a remarkable personality and obviously business mind as well....with drive and ambition and ethics second to no one. I will never forget him paying me the highest compliment on Main Street one cold winter day for what they rented from me at the time. It seems to me that he was a great encouragement to so many and example in community and business and humanity. We will miss him....
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Ted Garland on Sep 7, 2022 at 8:49 pm
Sorry to hear. Didn’t know Chris personally, but his stores were great options to some of the big box stores and I always took friends from ”outside” to them. All were good- Mac’s was legendary! 👍👏🏼
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Jen Gallant on Sep 7, 2022 at 6:49 pm
So sorry for this loss. To his family and friends. He will be truly missed. RIP
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Stephen Robertson on Sep 7, 2022 at 5:08 pm
Chris was always working for the betterment and beautification of Downtown businesses. He continued to appeal to me to spruce up our former building on Wood Street. The new owners did just that and I have to admit Chris was right. He certainly helped make Main Street very appealing to visitors and locals alike. My condolences to Sherri, his family, friends and staff.
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RIP Chris Sorg on Sep 7, 2022 at 3:36 pm
Chris had great civic pride and an extraordinary ability to compete with the megastores when they arrived in Whitehorse. He was a strong influence in maintaining local flavour in the Yukon business community and keeping the traditions alive. A hard worker. He will be missed. Thank you, Chris.