Ben Alway’s Legacy: Why We Do This

A photo of Ben Alway and Madi Rawson in front of the mural by Jean Paul Langlois

If you’ve been part of Edmonton’s tattoo scene for any length of time, you probably knew Ben Alway.

Ben wasn’t just running a laser – he was pushing boundaries, educating everyone who’d listen, and genuinely giving a damn about getting people to their tattoo goals. His charisma, generosity, and sometimes outrageous approach made him a legend in this community.

When Ben passed in March 2023, Edmonton lost more than an expert laser technician. We lost someone who elevated what tattoo removal could be.

Why Legacy Exists

Madi trained directly under Ben from 2016 until his passing. She didn’t just learn how to operate a laser – she learned Ben’s philosophy: that this work deserves expertise, honesty, and a genuine commitment to the tattoo community.

We named this business Legacy because we’re not just removing tattoos. We’re carrying forward Ben’s approach:

  • Push the industry forward through continuing education and staying current with research
  • Be part of the tattoo community, not separate from it
  • Give back to those who need it most (our New Legacy Program honours this)
  • Never stop learning – if Ben taught us anything, it’s that there’s always more to understand about this process

What This Means for You

When you come to Legacy, you’re getting the benefit of Ben’s decades of knowledge passed directly to our team. You’re working with people who were trained by one of the best, and who are committed to maintaining that standard.

Ben set the bar high. We’re here to keep pushing.

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