Beloved son of Robert and Katerina Getchell, Benjamin was
born in Sarasota, FL.
Benjamin was preceded by his grandparents Robert
Getchell, Sr. and Jane Petty Getchell,James
and Betsy Ann Russell, uncle David Getchell, aunt Sally Gordon and his beloved
kitten, Mittens.
He is survived by his parents, Robert and Katerina Getchell, uncle Steve Gordon, uncle Jeff Getchell and his wife Denise, aunt Christina Russell McDonald, uncle Clark Russell, uncle Scott Russell as well as cousins Katie Gordon, Greg Getchell, Kristin Evey,Michael Russell, Grace McDonald, Emma McDonald and Eliot McDonald.
Benjamin attended Shining Mountain Waldorf School from
preschool through senior graduation in the Class of 2017. Most recently he was
a sophomore at University of Denver in the class of 2021, majoring in
Philosophy and minoring in Entrepreneurship and Computer Science.
He was previously employed at the University of Denver’s
iD Tech Summer Camp Program 2018 and at the University of Denver Innovation Lab
of the Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science.
Benjamin loved his pets, playing the violin, piano, ice skating, archery, riding his mountain bike, hiking the Boulder foothills and building things. He was a gifted artist, musician and writer. He enjoyed playing online games as well as board games. Ben had one of the gentlest spirits anyone could ever know. He was also a fiercely private person about his internal world.
Throughout all his years at Shining Mountain Waldorf
School his classmates described him as “kind,
caring, and a good friend.”
In memory please consider a donation to the Benjamin A. Getchell Music Scholarship at Shining Mountain Waldorf School or go to https://www.coloradogives.org/BenGetchellMusicScholarship
In gratitude to: The Natural Funeral, Father Bruce Swinehart of St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church and Shining Mountain Waldorf School.
Thank you for sharing these pictures and words.
What a lovely speech by Ben. He was so well spoken and confident. You must be so proud.
It makes my heart break knowing he won’t be here to continue to inspire and uplift others. But I am so glad that I got the chance to hear him speak on a subject that is affecting me right now- a big idea that I want to bring to life. His words encourage me to keep dreaming and moving forward. Thank you for sharing. He was a gift.
I had the honor of spending some time with Ben as his teacher and work supervisor during his time in college. He impressed me as a deeply thoughtful young man and he inspired me to always strive to do better, for myself, and for others. He is greatly missed.
Sounds like Benjamin was one remarkable soul. Such a brilliant light in the world. I am heartbroken for you all and so very sorry for your loss, Uncle Robert and Katerina.