Sean Steven McKinley

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Sonoma State University

Sean McKinley Obituary

Name: Celebration of Life for Sean Steven McKinley
Start: 2024-01-13T19:30:00.000Z
Location: Captivate Church in Point Loma

This past Christmas Day we were shellshocked to learn Sean was found lifeless in his home in Saratoga Springs, Ut., having unexpectedly succumbed to a fatal Addisonian Crisis.
Our lives depend upon the daily production of cortisol by the adrenal glands. In the condition known as Addison's Disease, a rogue autoimmune system has destroyed the adrenals, making life dependent thereafter upon receiving daily replacement steroids in dosages varying with life circumstances, including external stresses. In an Addisonian Crisis, the medication dosing has been too low, leading to a sometimes inescapable downward spiral that is fatal.
President John F. Kennedy had Addison's onset at age 30, though it was kept from the public; Sean's onset was at age 12, but he barreled through life undeterred for 19 years thereafter. He played football and lacrosse at Francis Parker High School, from which he graduated in 2010. He broke his neck body-surfing, and performed "wheelies" while confined to a wheelchair post-surgery. Snowboarding black diamond runs wasn't enough, he had to blast off-run.
Sean graduated with honors in Computer Science from Sonoma State University in 2016, and was immediately hired by telecommunications company Calix, where he received his most recent career promotion only days before Christmas 2023.
Sean is survived in his immediate family by his grandmother, Gaynor Marie Baird; parents, Steven and Karen McKinley; brothers Ian McKinley (Elena), Ryan McKinley, and twin sister, Breanna McKinley Johnson (Graham); as well as nephew Michael McKinley and niece Elizabeth McKinley, all of San Diego.
He was a force in our lives, and his passing leaves an unfillable void. There will be a celebration of his life at 11:30 am on January 13, 2024, at Captivate Church in Point Loma, 3010 N. Evergreen St., San Diego, Ca. 92106.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Diego Union-Tribune from Jan. 6 to Jan. 7, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Sean McKinley

11 Entries

Lindsay Harrod

February 5, 2024

I had many good times and memories with Sean over the years. His passing is devastating. I loved Sean's intelligence and his absolute love and enthusiasm for dogs. Plus, he had the world's best laugh. Love and deep condolences to the McKinley family.

Richel and Tim Thaler

January 13, 2024

We remember Sean as a fun loving, adventurous, smart, witty and handsome guy. His passing is such a shock and he will be missing asked by many.

Nathan Seiger

January 10, 2024

Sean and I met at SSU, and spent many hours talking code, family, music, food, etc.

He was a brilliant, accepting person and a great friend to have. I am glad to have those memories, and saddened by this news.

Suzanne Rivoire

January 9, 2024

Sean was my student and a member of my research team in the Computer Science department at Sonoma State University. Behind the persona of a chill, unbothered California dude was a mind that was always curious, fearless, and brimming with insightful, challenging questions. As a researcher, he was serious, professional, and devoted to raising the level of his own work and the other students on his team. I'm not at all surprised by the success he had in his short career. It's absolutely devastating to hear this news. My heart goes out to his family and friends -- I am so sorry for the loss of this wildly talented, wholly original young man.

JiJi

January 9, 2024

The first time Sean came to play at our pickleball club, I had the privilege to meet him as we enjoyed several games together. His enthusiasm for the game was infectious and inspiring. Knowing he had such challenges with his health from such a young age , he now inspires me even more . What an amazing young man! My heart feels heavy for your tremendous loss . We also are experiencing deep grief within our pickleball community.

Reed Feist

January 8, 2024

I was new to the community and it was a pleasure to be welcomed by Sean and others into the local pickleball group. We´ve had a warm December and I had the chance to play some games with Sean the week before Christmas. Sean was fun to play with and against. He had one of the fastest and best serves I´ve seen in the whole group. Sean will definitely be missed and I hope and pray for peace and comfort for family and loved ones left behind.

Shelby D.

January 7, 2024

I knew Sean from pickleball in Utah. At first he seemed a little stand off-ish and kinda bossy, but as we played together more and began talking I really grew to adore him. He had a great sense of humor and our joking banter brought me so many amazing memories. I have laughed so hard on the court with him and that makes me smile. He was quick to share pointers and tips which showed just how much he loved the game. His drive (on and off the court) is a huge thing I admired about him. I hope he knows how much we all adored him and enjoyed playing with him! I miss him and it won´t be the same on the courts without him! Prayers to his family and friends as we all navigate through the rollercoaster of emotions of grief.

Paul Merideth

January 7, 2024

To Sean's Family - so sorry for such a huge loss. I was fortunate enough to play pickleball with Sean a number of times this past year. I loved having him as a partner because he was able to be both competitive and kind at the same time. He always had insightful and interesting comments and made our games so much more fun! I've lost a son and a wife to disease and know something of your pain, and pray for your healing, peace, and understanding in time.

Nate Jackman

January 7, 2024

Loved having Sean as a friend to me and my family here in our neighbor. Always willing to share and give. He often brought some of his recent, intriguing books. We loved played pickleball with our local group. We are going to miss his laugh, his kindness and friendship. God be with you Sean until we meet again.

Scott Heaton

January 6, 2024

My name is Scott Heaton and I met Sean early last year when he joined my Pickleball community in Eagle Mountain. Sean was a throttle wide open kinda guy, haha. When playing, he we aggressive, passionate, and 100% committed. I had one spot open in one of the Pickleball tournaments I hosted last year. There were 3 people wanting that spot. Even though Sean was new to Pickleball, he suggested a face-off to determine who would get that last spot. Sean left it all on the court but still lost, lol. I didn't know him outside of pickleball, but he was a blast to play with and someone we missed when he was around. I was shocked then deeply saddened, as are many in our community, to hear of the loss of one of our friends.

Jacqueline Cotten

January 6, 2024

Am so sorry to hear of the passing of Sean. I´m a school nurse and know what a terrible disease this is. Thank you for educating the public in the obituary. Sean sounds like a wonderful, to-be-missed-terribly member of your family. My deep condolences.

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