Peter Greenlaw, a long-serving RCMP corporal and active community member, died this week after a lengthy battle with a rare disease.

The 49-year-old Greenlaw, who was still an active member of the force, was diagnosed with Wegener's Granulomatosis about 10 years ago.

The disease restricts blood flow to vital organs by causing an inflammation of the blood vessels.

'He's been courageously battling a long-term illness that saw him do his very best to contribute at work and in volunteer hours,' Sgt. Guy Rook said in an interview this morning.

'He's going to be greatly missed here (within the RCMP) and in the Yukon.'

Of his 30 years as an RCMP officer, Greenlaw spent 20 in the Yukon, primarily in Whitehorse and Dawson City.

For the last decade, he was the drug awareness co-ordinator for police and the resident expert on a number of substance abuse committees, including the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Society Yukon.

'He had a very direct and honest approach,' said Rook. 'He was always willing to get involved and he was just a very nice and calm person with a lot of experience.'

Before moving to the Yukon in 1986, Greenlaw worked as an undercover cop on the drug squad in Toronto.

Here in the Yukon, Rook described him as the 'go-to guy' for issues relating to drugs and alcohol. The late officer had an extensive knowledge of current substances and their impacts.

One of the qualitites for which Greenlaw was most well-known, both at work and in the community, was his dedication to youth across the territory.

'Peter is widely known in the Yukon for his tremendous commitment to the Yukon's youth,' the RCMP said in a statement issued this week.

'His contributions to improving the lives of Yukon citizens, particularly youth, is significant and enduring.'

Greenlaw was involved in a wide range of programs for youth, from the Music, Arts and Drama program to coaching basketball and soccer.

'He was very genuine and compassionate about improving the lives of youth,' Rook said.

A project to which Greenlaw was particularly dedicated, Rooks added, was the Millennium Trans-Canada Trail.

'He was really passionate about it because of its opportunity to provide employment and skill development to youth,' according to Rook. 'He was working on that right up until the past few weeks.'

In an interview with the Star last spring, Greenlaw said he'd stayed with police work throughout the years because he liked his job.

The most rewarding aspect of his 30-year career was working with people in the community to make a difference, he said.

In a ceremony last May, Greenlaw was given an RCMP award for longest service.

A memorial will be held for Greenlaw at 2 p.m. next Friday at the Sacred Heart Cathedral. A reception will follow at the Mount McIntyre Recreation Centre.

'We anticipate a large attendance from many communities,' Rook said.

Greenlaw is survived by his wife, Deb, and his children, Graydon and Sheena.