Mr. Benjamin Joseph McKee, age 29, of Muskegon, passed away Saturday, May 12, 2012. He was born April 19, 1983, in Santa Barbara, CA to Stephen and Theresa (Hammerle) McKee.
Ben McKee was born in California and raised in North Muskegon and lived for a time in Florida and Arizona. He had many gifts and too many challenges but for those who knew and loved him earlier in life his unique personality kept all entertained, laughing and wondering. He saw the world differently
which brought him happiness but also frustration. He had a peculiar affinity between himself and various animals. We had a procession of cats and dogs coming through the house and one time, at his insistence, nine cats in my trunk and back seat that had been abandoned on a dark country road. We randomly distributed the cats to suitable homes chosen by the quality of the fence that would keep them in. Ben also had a spontaneous artistic ability that are now framed forever. For those who knew and loved him we ask that you remember his better days and understand those times that were not so good. His challenges eventually outnumbered his gifts and his true nature was lost. In memoriam we ask that all who read this will look nearby at a family or person in crisis and do all you can before nothing can be done. We also ask that you go to your local officials and ask why drugs are so available while causing so much destruction. We hope our son's life will serve to relieve the unnecessary suffering that so many know. And finally, let the good memories come forward and the others fade away and the face of a smiling Ben returns. Benjamin is survived by his father Stephen and mother Theresa (Hammerle) McKee of Pentwater; brother Alexander McKee of Muskegon; maternal grandparents, Francis (Carol) Hammerle of Pentwater; aunts, Kathy (Russ) Hess of White Cloud and Sandra (Mike) Littiebrandt of Pentwater; uncles, Michael (Mary) McKee of Pentwater and Mitchell McKee of Jensen Beach, FL; cousins, Bruce (Michelle) Brown, Caleb Littiebrandt, McKenna Littiebrandt, Brenston Brown and, Harley Brown. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Richard and Betty McKee. The Memorial Service for Benjamin will be privately held from the King Funeral Home with Fr. Phil Sliwinski officiating. Interment will be in the Pentwater Township Cemetery.