Vote on Ben's Favorites + Update

[Jameel Hyder]

Hello, I am Ben's sister and I wanted to let you all know that he passed away this morning. Words cannot describe how much we appreciate your tributes to him. He never felt his pictures were good enough to stand with the greats but I always disagreed. I hope to put together a book of his favorites for family to cherish always. It will be his legacy and these 10 photos will be in front. I hope to also gather his "All time best" as will as some of his wildlife and Oregon coast photos that we have enjoyed over the years. Thank you for supporting him in a hobby that he truly loved and gave him reason to stay active to the end.... Carol

Our heartfelt condolences, Carol - to you and the rest of the family and loved ones. Ben will be missed. I had the opportunity to meet him a couple of times when I visited SLC and will cherish the memories.

 

[Vieri]

Hello, I am Ben's sister and I wanted to let you all know that he passed away this morning. Words cannot describe how much we appreciate your tributes to him. He never felt his pictures were good enough to stand with the greats but I always disagreed. I hope to put together a book of his favorites for family to cherish always. It will be his legacy and these 10 photos will be in front. I hope to also gather his "All time best" as will as some of his wildlife and Oregon coast photos that we have enjoyed over the years. Thank you for supporting him in a hobby that he truly loved and gave him reason to stay active to the end.... Carol

Hello Carol, thank you for letting us know. This is a very sad day. Ben was a true gentleman and artist, someone I am privileged to have met, albeit only virtually. He will forever live in my memory, and he will be missed. My condolences to you and all his loved ones.

Best regards,

Vieri

 

[JimFox]

Hello, I am Ben's sister and I wanted to let you all know that he passed away this morning. Words cannot describe how much we appreciate your tributes to him. He never felt his pictures were good enough to stand with the greats but I always disagreed. I hope to put together a book of his favorites for family to cherish always. It will be his legacy and these 10 photos will be in front. I hope to also gather his "All time best" as will as some of his wildlife and Oregon coast photos that we have enjoyed over the years. Thank you for supporting him in a hobby that he truly loved and gave him reason to stay active to the end.... Carol

Thank you for the heads up Carol. That's sad to hear, even with knowing it was coming it's really hard to grasp. I am glad I got to talk to him for a few minutes the other day.

Ben was a great friend. Full of spirit and laughter, and so fun to be around. He always underestimated his photography skills, but he always came back from his trips with photos that the rest of us would envy.

Ben and I had been planning for a group photo trip for this last May at Skyline Overlook. As he got sicker we knew that wouldn't be possible, but I know on my next trip to Skyline I will think of Ben, and picture him standing a bit precariously on the outcropping that he liked to stand and photograph from.

If we can do anything, please let us know. Ben was family to us too.

Jim