The Lac La Ronge Indian Band is mourning the loss of one of its respected elders.

According to a press release, Tom Charles passed away Tuesday after a long battle with cancer.
Charles was well known for his efforts in the area of search and rescue missions earning him the nickname Tracker Tom.

According to the La Ronge band, he was involved in 293 search and rescue efforts, only 15 of which went unsolved.

(PHOTO: Tom Charles. Photo courtesy Lac La Ronge Indian Band.)