The tragic passing of former Portage Collegiate student Gordon Hoar nearly two weeks ago has left many people in the area mourning. Hoar was just 20-years-old and was attending Assiniboine Community College for their Media and Communications course.

In his final years at PCI, Hoar made his mark as he was one of the founding members of one of the school's newest programs. PCI Channel 1 is now in its third year after being spear-headed by Hoar and a few of his peers.

Friend, and fellow founding member, Travis Eilers says they pushed really hard to get live streams going for PCI sporting events.

"He'd be the one running the main live-stream camera, or the secondary camera for clips as needed," Eilers explains. "One of the football games for PCI back in 2019 was at IG Field in Winnipeg and Gordon was able to go down to the field and interview our former coach (Donald) Burrell about what it was like to have his team play on the Bombers' field, being a former Blue Bombers' player."

Shane Sobkowich is the teacher in charge of PCI Channel 1 and says Hoar was constantly volunteering his time and energy to help get the program off the ground. He says it took a lot of work to get things to where they are now and notes that probably wouldn't be the case if it wasn't for Hoar's technological knowledge.

"We'll always remember Gord for his contributions and how much effort he put into getting this channel started," Sobkowich explains. "He had a passion for video and technology, which showed with the amount of time he spent volunteering and the effort he put into any job that he did for us."

PCI Channel 1 dedicated Thursday night's broadcast of the Portage Collegiate Trojans hockey game in the memory of Hoar and had Eilers make a video to honour him, which they aired during the first intermission.

Eilers says Hoar and himself became even closer after their time at PCI as they both moved on to take the Media and Communications course at ACC. He describes the connection he had with Hoar. 

"Gordon impacted my life in a really great way. He was such a good friend and was always there for you," Eilers explains. "I know our connection got even stronger once we got going at Assiniboine (Community College). Gord and I would always team up together to do video projects. Being able to drive around, talk, and gain workmanship together that helps us out in our careers was amazing."

While Hoar may have moved on in his physical form, Eilers, Sobkowich, and the rest of the PCI Channel 1 members, will help his spirit live on as they continue to grow the program he helped shape.