Kelly Patrick's enthusiasm for swimming and just being in the water was evident whether she was playing Fishy In The Middle with a group of toddlers or leading a seniors' aquafit class.

Today, the swim instructor and lifeguard of more than 20 years with the city is being remembered as "a larger than life” figure who passed that enthusiasm on to her many students.

Patrick died last night. The cause has not been made public.

Flags are being flown at half-mast at the Canada Games Centre (CGC) today.

The pool at the recreation centre will remain closed today to give her co-workers time to take in the news. A counsellor with the Employees Assistance Program is also on-hand to assist employees at the CGC.

Linda Rapp, the city's director of community and recreation services, said this morning Patrick's passing is a huge loss for the entire community.

"She was treasured by so many people,” said Rapp, who was already working for the city when Patrick started working at the old Whitehorse Lion's Pool off Fourth Avenue.

Most parents in Whitehorse who have kids who were in swimming lessons were likely taught to swim at some point by Patrick, whether it was at the former Lion's Pool or at the CGC.

"She loved her job,” Rapp said as she recalled Patrick seeming to remember the names of every child she had taught to swim.

Patrick would see kids she taught years later and still remember them, Rapp said.

While Patrick brought her enthusiasm to the "whole range” of swimmers in the pool, Rapp said, "her joy and passion was with the kids.”

She brought enthusiasm to all her classes, said Rapp.

She remembered Patrick up on the deck of the pool making all the motions to instruct fun aquafit classes.

Patrick was part of the transition from the downtown lane pool to the large aquatic centre in 2002 which includes the lane pool, leisure pool, lazy river and so many other features Whitehorse residents now expect.

"That was huge,” Rapp said.

Patrick's excitement for the new facility was evident.

As the facility grew into the Canada Games Centre with the flexihall, running track, arenas and field house, among other features, Patrick and her two boys became a big part of the entire recreation complex, Rapp said.

"Kelly's vibrance and impact on the community cannot be understated,” Rapp said.

"She had such positive relationships with so many people who knew her through swimming programs and lessons. She was synonymous with the pool. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to her family, friends and co-workers.”

Patrick had been on a short leave from work when she died.

Rapp was at the CGC with staff today, and she said workers were supporting one another.

"It's hard,” she said, noting that while memorial plans have not yet been made, there will likely be an event for city staff to celebrate Patrick's life and a public opportunity of some sort for city residents to remember the long-time swim instructor.

Patrick is survived by her two sons.

Family from Outside were making travel arrangements to come to the territory.