Who is Ben Ortiz?

Ben was born on September 6, 1994 in Morris, IL, where he was raised his entire life. He was a graduate of Immaculate Conception and Morris Community High School. After graduating from Lake Forest College, the mountains and nature called him, and he moved to Denver, CO. One of Ben’s many passions was technology, and he worked in Denver for a cyber security company, Sumo Logic.

From the time he was one year old, Ben had a basketball in his hand. It didn’t matter if it was a pick-up game with his friends or a competitive travel game, Ben played with integrity. His love for the game took him to Lake Forest College, where he was on the basketball team. Ben cared deeply about the world and had immense concern for the problems people face. He was compassionate and reached out to those less fortunate, listening to them and shouldered their challenges.

While in Colorado, he developed a passion for snow skiing. Being in the mountains, especially with his beloved dog Carl, was where he was happiest. He loved music and made many friends who shared that same love. Ben’s happy place was being at a music festival or show. Being “Uncle Ben,” was one of his favorite roles. He loved all four of his nieces (Addisen & Erin Woolsey, Quinn & Charlie Hershman) and nephew (Miles Woolsey). He was an excellent uncle to them, even while living across the country.

When Ben passed, his family knew they had to find a way to carry on his legacy and bring to life the kindness he always hoped to share. The name Ben’s Way Forward was born from both his compassion for others and his love of basketball—where he proudly played as a forward throughout his career.).