Nonprofit leader Ron McKinley killed in motorcycle accident

Ron McKinley, a philanthropic leader who campaigned for education for minorities was killed in a road accident Sunday. He was 64.

McKinley, of St. Paul, was riding a motorcycle in Washington state when he and a passenger, St. Paul resident Ann K. Johnson, were killed.

"He made our institutions more fair, and he made them much more inclusive places."

Trista Harris, president of the Minnesota Council on Foundations, said McKinley worked to make sure people of color were included in foundation decision-making.

"He made our institutions more fair, and he made them much more inclusive places," she said, "so everywhere that he was, he was making sure that the table was set in a way where we could get the most perspective and we could make thoughtful decisions."

McKinley founded several nonprofits and served on many boards, both national and local. He worked on programs that help low-income people succeed in college, and founded the Minnesota Minority Education Partnership, a group that promotes educational advancement for people of all races.

"The biggest surprise to me as the news was spreading of his passing was all the people around the country that I got phone calls and emails from, that just wanted to express what an amazing person he was, what an impact he had," Harris said, "because I really think of him as sort of a gift just for Minnesota, and it was just a good reminder for me of how far his reach was, but yet how deep his roots were here."

McKinley is survived by his wife and two daughters.