It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Benjamin Alexander Bates, better known in recent years as Benji, who was born on the 19th of November, 2000. Benji departed from this world on the 16th of December, 2025, leaving a deep void in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Benji was born in sunny San Diego, CA, though lived most of his life in Boulder, CO, where he graduated from Fairview High in 2018. Benji was multi-talented and creative, with an authentically kind, caring and easy way about him that endeared people to him instantly. His brilliant mind and courageous spirit inspired those around him, and his loyalty to those he loved was fierce and unwavering. He was very empathic and attuned to the feelings of others, and reflexively responded with supportive compassion for those who were suffering. 

Benji is survived, cherished and missed by his parents and stepparents, Robert Bates & Megan Husby and Irina M. Bates and Dmitri Kagan; his deeply beloved younger brother, Evan Bates; his maternal grandparents, Vladimir and Lena Mikenin, as well as loving cousins, aunts, uncles and friends.

Loved ones he lost much too soon in life were his grandmothers Galina Mikenina and Sue Dickerson Johnston, and the great love of his life, Lola Kroeger.

A Celebration of Life for Benji will be held on Saturday the 18th of April, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Unity Columbine Spiritual Center, in Boulder, CO. In honor of Benji’s vibrant spirit, we invite all those who knew and loved him to come and share memories, laughter, tears, and the lessons that Benji taught us, commemorating a life lived with purpose, passion, and a great abundance of love.

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