Renowned Haida carver remembered as beloved artist and family man

When Ben Davidson graduated high school he was too shy to ask his father, renowned Haida carver Robert Davidson, if he could apprentice for him, so he asked his sister to ask their dad on his behalf.

"I was so tickled beyond words because it was something I wanted so badlyto carry on," said Robert Davidson.

And before his unexpected death froma heart attack on Aug. 15, that is exactly what Ben Davidsondid.

His impressive body of work has been exhibited in galleries and private collections around the world. It includes coveted carved cedar masks and panels, delicate jewlery, metal, paint and paper creations and monumental totem poles.

Now his portfolio stands as a testament to a highly-respected artist remembered for his contributions to both his culture and his community.

A member of the Raven clan, Ben Davidson diedin Haida Gwaiiat the age of 44. Heis survived by his father, his mother Susan Davidson, his sister Sara Davidson, hiswife Tawni Jones, and five children.

In the immediate aftermath of his death, family members requested privacy.

"It just blew our minds because he was so careful with his health and well-being," Robert Davidson told CBC Wednesday.

"It's the biggest challenge in my life and we are all working together to support each other and reassure each other that we will see the sunshine again," he added.

Watch Ben Davidson show CBC personalityJonny Harris his Haida Gwaii studio:

Ben Davidson was an avid cyclistand, according to his obituary, was honoured this year at a triathlonevent in Haida Gwaii forhis active involvement in the local recreation community.

Also known by his Haida nameTlanang nang kingaas (the one who is known far away), hewasa mentor to Haida youth anda member of the Rainbow Creek Dancers, a traditional Haida dancegroup that performs throughout the world.

His father remembers a man who was deeply committedto being a great dad, as well as to learning and sharing the history of the Haida people and their art.

"I thought of him as being the next generation to carry the torch," said Robert Davidson.