Memorial fund established for Dusty Pidborochynski

Skills Canada NWT has launched a fund in memory of Dusty Pidborochynski, a lifelong northerner who passed away tragically on July 6.

Pidborochynski, who was 29, lost his life just weeks after being hired as a welding instructor at Yellowknife’s École St Patrick High School.

The fund established in his name will award a $1,500 annual scholarship to a student who has shown interest in welding and wishes to pursue a related apprenticeship in the NWT.

Remaining funds will support the high school’s welding program.

“Dusty worked hard and played harder, he left no room for idle,” Skills Canada NWT wrote as it launched the fund.

“He touched the hearts and impacted the lives of everyone who knew him. He was the salt of the earth and the light in the lives of those who loved him. Wise beyond his years, Dusty truly lived life to its fullest.”

Dusty had worked with young welders for Skills Canada NWT’s territorial competition earlier this year, and was volunteering as the organization’s welding technical expert.

The YK1 school district said he “was excited to be joining the teaching team [at St Pat’s] after many years of honing his craft at the NWT’s diamond mines. He couldn’t wait to start sharing his experience and expertise with the next generation of northern trades professionals.”

Applications, and donations to the fund, are accepted through the fund’s page on the Skills Canada NWT website.

A celebration of life for Dusty was scheduled to take place from 3pm on Friday at 100 Taltheilei Drive in Kam Lake.

“Dusty’s devotion to his friends and family went beyond measure,” relatives wrote in a memorial shared online. “The hole that he leaves in our lives is tremendous.

“May he forever be chasing his next great adventure.”