Please consider donating to a fundraising campaign started by Ben’s friends. All proceeds will go to support his son Rowen and wife Jen. Thank you!.
Update – January 5, 2018:
I can’t believe it has already been a full year since the world lost such an incredible human being…
Benny, wherever you are, know that we are thinking of you and your family. You have always been a great example and showing us all how to be!
Original post from Jan 6, 2017:
When my phone rang last night and I saw one of my best friends name on the screen I got happy and excited. Sadly those feelings didn’t last long…
I learnt that Ben has passed away just couple of hours ago, after being involved in a large avalanche in his home mountains.
Yesterday, the North American skimo racing community lost one of its nicest, most genuine and humble people. Ben was from the “previous” generation of the NA skimo racers and reached as high as top 40 at the famous Pierra Menta race, with his good friend Brandon. They were from Montana but Ben often joked he wanted to be on the Canadian team. He liked us and we liked him.
I first met Ben in 2008 when he showed up at a race I was organizing in Fernie, BC. He got lost mid-way while in the lead, because of the winds blowing course flags around, but he was still grateful for the experience. From there on, he and Brandon would regularly come up to our Canadian races to kick our asses and take our prize money. Not that there was much of it but it still hurt. They were keeping us honest.
He was an absolute class, full of passion and had a such big heart.
I would like to express my deepest condolences to Ben’s wife and my friend Jen, and their little son – I am very sorry for your loss. Also, my condolences to Ben’s parents and thank you for raising such an amazing person.
Ben, thank you for all the great memories and leading by example. Keep up your big smile and never fading enthusiasm.
We will keep doing turns for you!
Stano
Stano Faban says
Larry, thank you for stopping by and sharing your memories. The beautiful thing was/is that in Ben’s home race people cheered for my red & white only little less than for his baby blue. As if he told all of you “I want to win but they are still my friends so give them some love too!” 😉
Ben's Dad says
That was on of the top races and finishes I ever saw, There were 5 red and white cloaked Canadian wolves in a fervor of a chase of this Bunny Rabbit of a man in baby blue smurf spandex. I witnessed that finish and it wasnt a finish by seconds, it was a photo finish, with Ben’s last flying leap being a little faster because Stano was twice his size and weight. The fell, they embraced, they laughed, and like always after every race Ben had just one more new best friend.