Farmington Obituary: Benjamin McDonald, 26

The beautiful life of Benjamin Alexander McDonald of Tampa, Florida – formerly of Farmington – ended suddenly in a terrible gun accident, on Sunday, April 3.

Born on January 5, 1990, Ben was an energetic and passionate about nearly everything he did. A Geospatial surveyor for Digital Aerial Systems, his work involved aerial surveying and mapping to obtain geospatial data for a wide range of local and governmental clients. His work allowed him to travel extensively, which he loved, and it benefited environmental causes, which he championed. He loved music (especially The Talking Heads), food and beer, and was a creative and talented artist. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in marine biology from the University of Tampa. A lacrosse player, he graduated from Farmington High School in 2008.

Ben was the dearly loved son of Valerie and Michael McDonald of Ardmore, Pa., the brother of Shane McDonald (Boulder, Co.) and Aidan McDonald (Kalamazoo, Mich.) and the devoted boyfriend of Molly McQuillen. His survivors include his maternal grandparents, Linda and Jake Wise; too many aunts, uncles and cousins to name, and a wealth of friends. We will all miss him enormously.

A gathering in remembrance of Ben will be held Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 3:00pm in The Ahern Funeral Home, 111 Main St., Rt. 4, Unionville.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in Ben’s name and honor to the Tampa Hillsborough Homeless Initiative, Inc. https://www.youcaring.com/benmcdonald and, perhaps even more meaningfully, that you carry on his tradition of extending compassion, help and support to those who are suffering and without home. This is a cause for which he worked tireless and passionately and small kindnesses will keep his work alive.