There are some people who bring a light so great to the world, after they have left this life, the light remains.

Our beloved Ben always cared more about others than he did for himself. Typical of most parents, we would give him new clothes at Christmas, well aware of the fact that he would likely give them away to others who needed them more than he. Material possessions were not important to him when others had a need. That was Ben.

He was very smart and talented. He loved to write books, jot down notes, and fill his journal pages with his personal thoughts. He started two LLC’s that were pet projects he was hoping would grow and take off. He completed a Masters Degree in Engineering and loved software programming and creating trading bot algorithms. He wrote poetry and loved taking photos of his surroundings and friends. That was Ben.

Ben’s faith was of the utmost importance to him. He wanted to do things in a way that would support his love for Christ and to live like Him. He attended World Youth Day in Spain with other young adults from his parish. It was an important trip that helped cement his relationship with the Church. He wrote a book entitled “How to Keep Your Faith in College” to help others who might be struggling. He started a prayer group, mentored college students, and shared his musical talent at church from early on. That was Ben.

He loved to work with his hands and was also very musical. Ben once repainted an older full-sized Ford Bronco with a Home Depot spray paint setup using his landlord's garage as a paint booth! He was a wood-worker who created tables, bookcases, and even the famous acrylic coffee table made from his old Apple computer towers. It was beautiful. Ben played guitar, ukulele, piano and organ. With some coworkers he helped start a small garage band that focused on playing “cover songs” and practicing in the backyard. You should see the video of them playing “More than a Feeling”. That was Ben. 

Skiing, snowboarding, fishing, golfing, riding motorcycles, scuba diving and reading books were also passions for Ben. From heli-boarding in Canada, playing golf at St. Andrews, diving the Great Barrier Reef, and riding dirt bikes in the Black Hills, Ben enjoyed having fun!

Finally, he loved his coworkers at Nextworld and was a true friend to many people. His six years spent developing ERP software for Nextworld were some of the happiest days of his working life. He always told us that it was his co-workers who made all the difference for him. As for family, he showed us daily how much he loved us and wanted to be near us. That was Ben.

Ben Atkinson was born on September 21, 1994 and passed away on February 19, 2026. He is survived by his parents Andrew and Rene Jenkins, his sister, Rachel Zoetewey, (husband Gabriel) three nieces Avila, Sophia, and Emma, and many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.

The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Our Lady of Loreto Catholic Church, 18000 E. Arapahoe Rd, Aurora, Colorado, on Tuesday March 3, 2026 at 10 am, with a reception to follow. The rosary will be held Monday evening, March 2 at 6:30 pm at Our Lady of Loreto.

Ben supported an important relief effort called “Charity Water”. Based on his desire to help others, this organization was very special to him. For example, a $40 donation gives 12 people clean water every year! This memorial contribution can be found at Charity Water where you can make a donation in honor of Ben. Flowers may also be sent to the church to arrive by 8 am on Tuesday, March 3 to be used during the Mass.

Thank you to all who knew and loved Ben. We know how special he is and are thankful he was in our lives, even for only 31 years. Your prayers and support, sharing your stories and memories, have helped us greatly.