Condolences have been pouring in for family members and friends following the death earlier this month of famed Penelakut Coast Salish artist Gus Modeste. He was 44.

Modeste had been living in Duncan in recent years to be close to doctors and the hospital while dealing with diabetes, heart problems and other health issues.

91裸聊视频淎 very talented artist,91裸聊视频� said Penelakut band administrator Jim Chisholm. 91裸聊视频淚 met him a few times, a real nice fellow.91裸聊视频�

Modeste grew up on Galiano Island and spent a few years in Nanaimo before going to live with his dad on Penelakut and attended Chemainus Secondary School where he honed his craft as a carver.

91裸聊视频淗e got a lot of encouragement from Walter Stoochnoff, a teacher there,91裸聊视频� said Modeste91裸聊视频檚 aunt Connie Crocker. 91裸聊视频淭hat91裸聊视频檚 where his life of carving began.91裸聊视频�

Modeste also drew inspiration from carver Francis Horne. A totem Modeste did stands as a legacy at the entrance to the high school.

Along with Doug August of Cowichan, Modeste did carvings for the site marker and nose of the aircraft that was sunk off Chemainus 14 years ago on January 14, 2006 to become a diving reef.

His carvings and prints can be found all over the world, including Brussels, Belgium.

One of Modeste91裸聊视频檚 most loved works, known as Mother91裸聊视频檚 Love, is a powerful interpretation of orca J35 from the southern resident killer whale population and her offspring.

He also did magnificent canoe designs, including one for his own Penelakut village.

91裸聊视频淗e had such a natural talent for drawing and carving,91裸聊视频� said Crocker. 91裸聊视频淚t just really developed and it seemed to happen so easily. He was just so talented.

91裸聊视频淚 think about him personally, I never had a boring conversation with him,91裸聊视频� she added. 91裸聊视频淗e was always very interesting to talk to. He had pertinent things to talk about and he was also very funny.91裸聊视频�

Comments poured in on social media as news of Modeste91裸聊视频檚 death spread.

91裸聊视频淗e opened my eyes to some of his views without effort,91裸聊视频� noted Shane Harper. 91裸聊视频淚 very much enjoyed some of his perspectives.91裸聊视频�

He did phenomenal work,91裸聊视频� Wes Bissett indicated.

Rainforest Arts on Willow Street in Chemainus is hoping some of his work will surface from his studio and proceeds of any sales will go to his family.

91裸聊视频淗e had a collection of work that he had been preparing,91裸聊视频� noted Crocker.

91裸聊视频淗is work is a gift to the world,91裸聊视频� added Kathy Wachs of the Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society. 91裸聊视频淗is character was strong and sweet. Condolences to the many who love him.91裸聊视频�

91裸聊视频淗e lives on through his art,91裸聊视频� Hanna Miskiman remarked. 91裸聊视频淐ondolences to the family.91裸聊视频�

91裸聊视频淭his is such sad news,91裸聊视频� offered Tammy Baines. 91裸聊视频淕us was such a kind person and so talented.91裸聊视频�

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