Brian Douglas McKinley

Brian McKinley’s unwavering love for his community shaped his legacy. A devoted father, loyal husband, loving friend, lifelong mentor, and dedicated athlete, he committed his years to helping others both on and off the field. He poured his heart into guiding and supporting those around him. He left a legacy of generosity, leadership, and love.

Brian Douglas McKinley passed away on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Born alongside his twin brother, Robert (Rob), in Queens, New York, on April 27, 1959, to Richard and Yvonne McKinley, Brian spent his early years in Cinnaminson, a suburb of Philadelphia. After his father passed when he was eight years old, his mother lived out his father’s dream and moved to idyllic Ridgewood, New Jersey, where he attended Travel Elementary.

Sports played an integral role in Brian’s upbringing. From an early age, he could be found playing hockey on Twinney Pond with Rob and a gaggle of other boys, throwing around baseballs and footballs, and of course, roughhousing with his small yet feisty dog, Roger.

At Ridgewood High School, Brian and Rob were dynamic on the field and earned the nicknames Big Mac and Little Mac, respectively. Alongside his three varsity football letters, he also competed for wrestling state titles and in the Junior Olympics.

Because of his grit, determination, and love for the game, Brian continued his football career at Valparaiso University and graduated in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He then earned a Master's in Business Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1985, where he served as a graduate teaching assistant. At Valparaiso, he could be found strutting around campus in his letterman jacket with his best friend Randy, in the Theta Chi house scheming with the other defensive linemen and the cast of characters that made up his brotherhood, or on the field where he pushed his limits and strove for success.

After earning his degrees, Brian remained a lifelong student and, in turn, a lifelong teacher. He committed to always bettering himself, along with the lives of those around him. He put his whole heart into anything he did, whether it was strategizing business developments, learning to golf and ski, studying theology and economics, or running three New York City Marathons.

Through it all, the details always stayed important. Even in his final months, a book about golf techniques sat on his nightstand.

He worked diligently in the packaging industry developing and selling products, managing accounts, and leading teams. Not only did he build relationships with his customers, he created friendships. After retiring from Ampacet Corporation in 2025, his business associates transformed into dear friends.

A weekend with Brian was never spent at home. An adventurer at heart, he spent his time skiing out west and in Europe with friends, biking for miles, watching Yankee games, tanning at the beach, and going to grab pizza for lunch.

His favorite adventure was his 30-year marriage with Christine (Christie). They met in Dallas and married in Beaver Creek, Colorado on July 16, 1994. He knew she was the one when she lost his Fig Newtons at the 16-mile mark during the New York City Marathon and still wanted to marry her. Their marriage also brought them two daughters, Lauren and Jane.

Brian’s bright blue eyes lit up whenever he told a story. Recounting his adventures and experiences energized him and sharing the accomplishments of his family members filled him with pride. Most stories ended with either a laugh or a lesson.

His pride extended beyond his family. Brian saw the potential in everyone and believed in always giving people a fair chance. In his attempt to bring the best out of others, he coached and contributed to many teams. He started as an assistant coach at Valparaiso, ventured into coaching youth and high school football for many years in Ridgewood, coached his daughter Lauren’s softball team, served as head gate judge at Mt. Peter for ski racing, and eventually helped pioneer the creation of the Ridgewood High School Ski Team. His contributions led the ski team, including his daughter Jane, to multiple state championships.

Brian’s bright red ski pants will forever be remembered, for better or worse. Brian could be spotted through snow, rain, and fog, diligently running races with the precision of the World Cup. He faithfully drove to every race and practice to witness the success of the team and serve as the coaches’ right-hand man. He had a way of making everyone feel valued. No matter what, he always had a cold beer waiting for the coaches at the end of the day.

Cheers to the next adventure, Brian.

Brian was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Richard McKinley and Yvonne (Ingram) McKinley. He is survived by his devoted wife, Christine (Spooner) McKinley; his cherished daughters, Lauren and Jane; his brother, Robert McKinley, and sister-in-law, Brigitte McKinley along with many loving in-laws, nieces and nephews.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, June 12, from 3-7 pm at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, 257 Godwin Avenue in Wyckoff, NJ 07481. A Funeral Service will take place at 10 am on Friday, June 13, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 155 Linwood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450. The interment will follow the service at Valleau Cemetery, 660 East Glen Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Brian’s favorite charity, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

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