Benjamin Franklin McKinley

Ben McKinley, a beloved family man, educator, and outdoorsman passed away peacefully at his Seattle home after a courageous 2.5 year battle with lymphoma on March 30, 2025. Ben dedicated his adult life to inspiring students as a secondary school math teacher and embracing the natural beauty of the western United States. Over the years, he shaped young minds at Fountain Valley School, Colorado Rocky Mountain School, and ultimately Lakeside School in Seattle, where he was revered by students and fellow faculty.

Born and raised in Wayne, Pennsylvania, Ben’s early years saw him attend New Eagle Elementary School, Valley Forge Junior High School, and Episcopal Academy, where he captained the squash team. He continued his education at Princeton University, majoring in economics and playing squash as a freshman before earning a Master’s in Education from Stanford University.

His zeal for the outdoors was kindled in Maine as a summer camper, but flourished in the West. A veteran of Minnesota Outward Bound and multiple NOLS courses in Alaska, Ben explored countless rivers and summited all 54 of Colorado’s 14,000-foot peaks, along with many more in North America, South America, and Oceania. He was an accomplished runner, rock climber, mountain biker, skate skier, kayaker, canoeist, and photographer. Ben took advantage of every opportunity he had to travel and enjoy nature with his family and friends.

Ben also formed his strongest bonds in nature. It was on a Grand Canyon River expedition that he met the love of his life, Jackie. Their love was most infectious when they were enjoying an outdoor adventure, of which they had many.

A devoted husband and father, Ben enthusiastically traveled to support his son, Bryce, at baseball games and spent countless hours belaying his daughter, Keira, at the local climbing gym. He took no greater pride than in his children’s accomplishments, and prioritized their flourishing above all else.

As a teacher and coach, Ben was admired for his unwavering commitment to his students, always seeking opportunities to teach both in and outside the classroom. He formed lasting connections with his students and athletes, leaving an enduring impact on all who knew him.

Friendship was a cornerstone of Ben’s life, and he thought nothing of embarking on cross-country road trips to visit friends and family, even after his diagnosis and treatments took their toll. His uncompromising compassion could be felt by new and lifelong friends alike. Ben’s warmth, adventurous spirit, and appreciation for the natural world will be deeply missed.

Ben is survived by his wife, Jackie Gayan; son, Bryce Gayan; daughter, Keira Gayan; mother, Judith Rogers; brothers, Adam (Cheryl) Goldstein and Dan (Yukari) Goldstein; sister, Laura Hayes; stepmother, Lili Goldstein; and 17 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, William Goldstein.

Ben’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the mountains he climbed, and the countless students, friends, and family who will forever carry his spirit with them. The best way to honor Ben is to support the inspiring work of the Canyonlands Field Institute, a nonprofit carrying out the critical work of connecting the next generation to nature in one of Ben’s favorite corners of the world: https://cfimoab.org/join-and-support/

A celebration of life is planned to be in Seattle at Sunset Bay Lodge at the Elks Club on Sunday, June 29th now starting at 6:30 pm and ending at 9:30 pm