Chilkat Valley News - Serving Haines and Klukwan, Alaska since 1966

A funeral service was held June 12 in Sandpoint, Idaho for Benjamin Michael Herndon. Herndon died of suicide at Chilkat Lake on May 28.

Herndon worked construction jobs in Haines after arriving here in 2018, according to his father Scott Herndon.

Herndon was employed at Zen Bathworks in Haines for three months and is credited with stopping a potentially devastating fire there on May 14.

Co-worker Michael Ford said Herndon's death came as a shock. Herndon had expressed his depression when he started at the plant but seemed to be doing better. "He had plans for himself. It seems like he had some optimism for life."

Herndon was a frequent visitor at Ford's house. "He loved reading to my kids and playing with our puppies. He was nice to have around. He'd take a book and camp out for a while."

Ford said Herndon also was an amazing craftsman. "He had all kinds of things going for him."

Benjamin Michael Herndon grew up in Sagle, Idaho, living there 14 years and contributing to his family's home-building business. According to an Idaho obituary, Herndon was a talented guitar player and wood-carver whose small carvings won several awards at the Bonner County Fair. Family members described him as a "strong boy who loved outdoor adventure."

Herndon is survived by parents Scott and Arlene Herndon of Sagle and by siblings Hannah, Heidi, Jonathan, Naomi, Gretchen, Esther and David. He was buried at Seneacquoteen Cemetery.

Donations in Ben's memory can be made to the Oakland Police Emergency Net, 555 Fifth Street, Oakland, Calif., 94607.