Ryan J. N. Mackinnon

Ryan Mackinnon, 25, was born on September 26, 1999, to Mark and Kathleen Mackinnon of Palatine. He passed away on Saturday, September 28, 2024, holding the hands of his parents and sister, Rachel.

Not only was Ryan a stand-up man, he was a stand-up comedian. He bravely embarked on his comedy career at the ambitious age of 17 at Laugh Out Loud in Schaumburg. He spent years writing, studying, performing and perfecting his craft, turning his deep, philosophical thoughts into easily digestible bits that made people laugh and think critically. Ryan made a seismic impact in the Chicago community while positively changing the world through comedy and his unique insights on life.

Several of his friends and fellow comics organized a benefit for Ryan that he attended in person at the Laugh Factory in Chicago last month. The evening of laughter and heartwarming speeches about Ryan’s impact was attended by about 300 people, including family, friends, and supporters.

A voracious reader, Ryan enjoyed engaging with others in critical discussions about music, comedy, philosophy, culture, classic movies, and Anthony Bourdain. He was also passionate about sports. While basketball was his favorite, he also played soccer, flag football, volleyball and was on the track and cross-country teams in junior high school. In seventh grade he won the Athlete of the Year Award.

Ryan graduated from DePaul University in June of 2023 with a degree in Philosophy and had plans to become a lawyer. He was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer just weeks after graduating. This opened his eyes to a new passion of holistic and naturopathic healing. Ryan’s valiant and relentless fight against cancer was inspiring to all who knew him.

In addition to his loving parents and sister, Ryan will be dearly missed by his extended family, high school classmates, network of comedy friends, neighbors, and his four-legged nephew, Rico. The family would like to extend special thanks to the compassionate staff of City of Hope in Zion. A private Celebration of Life for Ryan will be held by his family.