Ben Palluq memorial this afternoon in Iqaluit

Family and friends of Benjamin Palluq are gathering in Iqaluit Thursday to remember the homeless man who disappeared two years ago.

Palluq went missing in March 2014. An extensive, two-week search found no sign of the 44-year old man. At the time, volunteers scoured abandoned boats and crates and went door-to-door looking for him.

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Thursday's memorial service is the first time those close to Palluq have formally gathered to remember him.

Palluq was well-known to anyone who spent time in Iqaluit's downtown. He was often spotted at Northmart, Baffin Gas or in the Royal Bank Building.

The memorial service starts at 1:30 p.m. at St. Jude's Cathedral.