Scott M McKinney

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Scott McKinney, a loving husband, devoted father, community advocate, and brilliant mind. Scott was born on August 11, 1970, in Wichita, Kansas, to Janice and James McKinney. He died on October 15, 2024, in New York City. He was 54 years old.

Growing up in Derby, Kansas, Scott learned the value of community, family, and adventure. As a boy, he won the Soap Box Derby two years in a row in a wooden car he built with his father. A proud Derby High School Panther, he excelled both athletically and academically, lettering in Varsity Football as Center and helping lead his team to the State playoffs, winning a district championship game that remains the stuff of local legend. Off the field, he was a fierce competitor on the debate team, honing the skills of wit and persuasion that would serve him well throughout his life.

Scott earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Political Science from Kansas State University, his proud alma mater. He pursued his passion for justice at the University of Minnesota Law School, earning his J.D. and setting out on a career devoted to community service and advocacy. His career was a testament to his belief in the power of collective action to create positive change. He worked for organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, the ACLU, The Doe Fund, C+C Apartment Management, and finally, L+M Development Partners, where he recently celebrated his 10-year anniversary as Senior Manager in Community Investment. At L+M, Scott was instrumental in launching and expanding free afterschool programs and serving as a liaison between various nonprofit organizations. He also built a children’s library, and helped bring annual holiday celebrations to life for countless children and families, delivering joy and resources to underserved families.

An extraordinary husband and father, Scott had a deep love for his family, especially his best friend and beloved wife, Heather, and his cherished daughter, Katie. Together, they built a magical life centered on love, growth, and shared adventures, blending wild dreams with comforting routines. Choosing to adopt the role of stay-at-home Dad, Scott devoted himself to Katie during her early years. He was endlessly proud of Katie, delighting in encouraging her passions, making her laugh with his sharp humor, and being her biggest champion. His marriage to Heather was marked by lots of love, laughter, fun times, and endless devotion. A night owl at heart, Scott treasured their evening adventures exploring new restaurants, enjoying live entertainment, or simply staying in and having fun together at home. His greatest joy was creating a warm, vibrant home life with his girls. The family thrived on cherished rituals: Friday night homemade pizzas, movie nights, game nights, deep conversations, and fun holiday traditions.

Scott's impressive cooking skills shone through in his favorite America’s Test Kitchen recipes, perfectly seasoned chili, and soul-warming casseroles. His methodical nature expressed itself in his detailed spreadsheets, tracking everything from meal and trip planning to gift lists and various statistics. Those who knew Scott remember his brilliance, reflected in his mastery of baseball analytics and his remarkable ability to match or outperform Jeopardy contestants. His exceptional memory and passion for learning enriched his love of life, baseball, politics, and science fiction, which he explored both in his reading and prolific private writing.

A true fan of the Kansas City Royals, Chiefs, and Kansas State Wildcats, Scott was a peacekeeper in person, yet he engaged passionately in spirited online debates about politics and baseball. His creativity flourished in holiday traditions like “Dipsmas,” marveling at the holiday lights at Rockefeller Center, making Star Cookies from his mother's handwritten recipe, and creating his New Year's Eve "Charcutereve" boards with an assortment of fancy cheeses. Scott's love for travel and his family brought him home to Derby each summer, where he cherished traditions with his parents, Katie, and Heather—enjoying his mother's cooking, long talks with his father, happy hour wine, Taco Tico, Pizza John’s, and fun family swim days at Rock River Rapids. He delighted in dreaming and planning big and little adventures with his family. In August, he visited Amsterdam with Heather, and they were eagerly planning to take Katie to Barcelona next year for their first family trip to Europe.

Scott was cremated, per his wishes, and his ashes will be spread among his favorite people and places. His family gathered in New York City for a heartfelt celebration of life dinner. Future memorial gatherings may be planned and announced at a later date.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Heather Dunn McKinney, and his cherished daughter, Katherine “Katie” McKinney; his loving parents, Janice “Jan” and James “Jim” McKinney; his sisters, Brenda Nickel, Kelly Nelson, and Kristine Benson; his aunt, Sharon Widdifield; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family, friends, and colleagues. Scott’s loved ones find comfort in knowing that he was deeply happy and profoundly loved by those who meant the world to him.

Scott leaves behind a legacy of love, humor, service, and the belief that the meaning of life is to be happy. In his memory, may we honor Scott’s legacy by pursuing happiness, working to make the world a better place, and caring for one another. Scott, we love you forever and will carry you in our hearts always. We are better for having known you, and your presence will forever be felt in the love and memories we hold dear.

In lieu of flowers, please consider becoming an organ donor in Scott’s honor, a final act of his boundless generosity that will help others live fuller lives.