Funeral held for Jean-Marie Mouchet

A funeral service was held Tuesday in Whitehorse for Father Jean-Marie Mouchet, whodied last week at the age of 96.

Mouchet was a member of the Order of Canada, creator of the Territorial Experimental Ski Training program and a beloved friend to many.

Norma Kassi, a former chief of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, was one of his students.

He treated all of us like champions.- Norma Kassi

"He treated all of us like champions," she said. "It was such an honour for him to choose our community and live with us."

Mouchet's funeral also marks the end of an era.After 115 years he was the last Oblate missionary in the Yukon.

Father Richard Beaudette of B.C. says the order is grateful to the territory "for the welcome that they gave the Oblates over the years and the support that they gave especially to FatherMouchet."

His body left the church under an honour guard of cross country skis, a fitting sendoff for aman who loved skiing as much as he loved people.

Mouchet's remains will be cremated. Some will be buried on Grey Mountain, some will be sent to France and some of his ashes will be sent to Old Crow.