COEUR d'ALENE - Ron Hood, who created the popular "Hoodlum" survivalist knife made by Buck Knives, died of a heart attack at his Coeur d'Alene home on Tuesday night.

A private ceremony for family and friends was held on Thursday. A celebration of Hood's life will be held in about a month on a date to be determined, said Bob George, Buck's director of international sales and marketing.

"It is with profound sadness and grief that Buck Knives Inc. announces the passing of our friend and business associate," the company said in a statement. "Our prayers and our thoughts are with Ron's wife, Karen, and his son, Jesse, who were the love of his life.

"Ron was not only a beloved husband and father, but was one of the most respected wilderness and survival experts in the world, as well as a Vietnam veteran and an industry respected knife designer and developer."

Karen is a business partner in Hoods Woods.

"I just want to scream from the top of my lungs that I love Ron so much that it hurts and that both Jesse and I have been blessed having him in our lives," Karen said in an online comment.

George said sales of the "Hoodlum" knife have been "off the charts."

"It's doing well around the country and internationally for us," George said. "He took a lot of pride in the fact that our products are made in the USA."

Hood and Buck Knives partnered about a year ago.

"In our short working relationship with Ron, we found him to be the consummate professional," a Buck press release states. "Ron and his family were, and always will be, considered part of the Buck family. Ron will be truly missed not only here at Buck Knives, but throughout the outdoor industry."

As a member of Buck Knives' pro staff, Hood attended several shows and was a part of the company's marketing efforts.

"He could be at our factory in 10 minutes," George said. "We took his concept and ran with it. It was a good fit for all of us. People are devastated around the world."