Ben left a lasting impression for our family. We moved to Alaska in 2015. I was new, alone and desperately needing to find my community. Ben, within seconds of meeting me at preschool parent/student orientation, introduced me to someone he guaranteed would help me get out and hike with my little kids. Little did he know that person would end up being my good friend and great hiking buddy. Ben and I weren’t close, but oh how he paved the way for my new outdoor life in Alaska. I will forever be thankful that his outgoing personality and love for outdoors guided me to also love the Alaskan outdoors. These little gesture in his life probably happened multiple times a day, every day. My oldest daughter loved Mr. Ben. “He was fun and funny and brought his dogs to preschool”. He is loved by so many. My condolences to his family. The Eagle River community is here for you all. So much love to you all.