Hard to narrow it to three so its four for me and hard to narrow it to that..
Living would be
Mike Mitten
Bryan Burkhardt
Darryl Quidort
Monty Browning
These four are all men of incredible ability, talent, drive and character. As well as the love of the adventure.
Passed would be
Jay Massey
Bart Schleyer
Jim Hamm
Roger Rothaar
These men were great hunters and had amazing ability to build equipment.
Both lists could be added to by several men that I have known over the years. Walt Francis, Mark Baker, Paul Bruner, Glenn St Charles, Ed Scott.