Friend recalls man who died in Lake Louise Sunday

LAKE LOUISE — A friend remembered a man who died in Lake Louise Sunday after becoming separated as “a great guy.”

Alaska State Troopers responded to the activation of a personal rescue beacon about 8:30 a.m., according to trooper reports. The beacon belonged to Brian Johnson, 42, of Anchorage, who was located about 11 a.m. floating a mile off-shore with fellow hunter Jeffrey Watson, 45, of Anchorage, authorities said.

Johnson and Watson told authorities another man, Howard W. Jaidinger, 61, of Lake Louise, had been ahead of them in an 18-foot boat when their own boat had capsized because of heavy winds and large waves, according to authorities.

Search and rescue workers found Jaidinger’s body about noon. After attempting unsuccessfully to revive Jaidinger, rescue personnel pronounced him dead at the scene.

The three had been hunting moose and caribou in the area, and were on their way home when the wind and waves overtook them, said Yvette Delaquito, co-owner of the Lake Louise Lodge, where authorities say Jaidinger’s body was brought after being retrieved.

Delaquito remembered retired North Slope worker Jaidinger as an avid outdoorsman, a hunter, and an incredible man. She said she’s known Jaidinger for 25 years.

“He was incredible,” Delaquito said. “He was a nice guy who would help anybody.”