Merle Gorgichuk, age 48, lost his life while crossing the street in Whitehorse on a crosswalk
Officers from the Whitehorse RCMP and Yukon RCMP Traffic Services responded to the collision on 2nd Avenue at Elliott Street, at approximately 12:00 p.m. on November 21, 2019.
Merle was in a signed crosswalk in the uncontrolled intersection when he was struck by a vehicle that failed to stop at the crosswalk. Georgichuk was transported to the hospital by Whitehorse EMS, where he succumbed to his injuries. The driver and passenger of the involved vehicle were not injured.
Since Georgichuk’s death, residents of Whitehorse who knew the man are remembering the cab driver as a kind soul. These warm words have been sent to Moose News about the loss of a great community member. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.
Melanie Jenson hasn’t talked to or seen Merle in over five years but when Jenson was living in Whitehorse, they would see each other regularly.
“He was a good man who was always trying to make those around him happy,” Jenson said. “He had his own personal struggles, his dad passed away 13 years ago and his mom passed away about seven or eight years ago.”
Jenson says Georgichuk always had a smile and kind word for those around him.
“I hope his death motivates the City to do something about the terrible pedestrian crosswalk situation, either upgrade to lighted crosswalks or harsher penalties for the drivers involved,” Jenson said. “His children, my sons, have lost their father and will never be able to share their life milestones with him but in them, he will live on.”
Jenn Lynne was friends with Merle since he was 13 years old.
“I’ll miss him so much,” Lynne said on Facebook. “I’m so glad to have gotten a hug from him the day before the accident when I saw him.”
For almost two years straight we played diablo on Playstation almost every day for hours, thank you for the memories, Lynne added.
Donna Jones says that she worked with Georgichuk on cross shifts while driving cabs together but they were friends for over 25 years.
“He was a genuinely good guy,” Jones said. “Georgichuk always respected the ladies and would get downright disgusted when other guys didn’t.”
For Melanie Jenson. she really doesn’t know what to think during this tragic time in her life.
“The sadness comes in waves,” Jenson posted on facebook. “I always thought that you would be around and I’m sorry I took your presence for granted. You will live on in your children.”
The Moose 100.1 sends condolences to all family and friends involved.
“If the people we love are stolen from us, the way to have them live on is to never stop loving them.”
Rest in peace, Merle Gorgichuk.
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