YELLOWKNIFE, (Feb. 1, 2005) — A Canadian pioneer in arctic and ice road trucking has lost a valued worker and loved family member.

Gary Robinson was the senior of the third generation to grab hold of the reins of family owned and operated RTL Robinson. Grandson of founder Dick Robinson, Gary died tragically on Dec. 29, 2004. He was 23 years-old.

While working on an ice road over Prosperous Lake near Yellowknife, Gary’s plow broke through the ice, and both he and his truck sank to the bottom of the lake. Divers were on the scene within 30 minutes but after a lengthy search they were unable to locate Gary or the truck. It is not exactly known why the ice broke underneath.

Gary’s father Marvin, who with his two brothers Donnie and Rickie, now runs the company, which was founded by their father Dick in 1968.

Those not familiar with the region north of 60 in Canada’s arctic, and specifically the Northwest Territories, may have never heard of RTL Robinson. But for over 35 years, the Robinson family have been pioneers in building ice roads construction and transportation essential for getting fuel and supplies to area residents.

Like his grandfather, father, and uncles, Gary wouldn’t ask any employee to do anything he wouldn’t do himself. You could always find any of the Robinson boys in the shop on a crawler, under a truck, at the helm of a backhoe, or plowing a road in what is truly the Great White North.