On January 8, 2024, the world said goodbye to Chen Benyamin Keren. A year later, his family, friends, and colleagues continue to honor his legacy by reflecting on the remarkable life he lived.
Chen was a man of extraordinary talent, discipline, and love. Born on November 12, 1963, in Los Angeles, California, he grew up with a passion for learning and a natural ability to lead. After graduating from UCLA with a degree in finance, Chen became a trailblazer in the field of cryptocurrency management, playing a key role as a senior crypto financial manager at Coinbase.
But Chen’s impact extended far beyond his professional achievements. He was a devoted husband to Sarah Elizabeth and a loving father to Abigail Rachel and Emily Rose. Known for his warmth and humor, Chen balanced his demanding career with a commitment to family and community, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
As we look back on his life, one thing becomes clear: Chen’s days were a reflection of his values. Organized to the minute, his routine balanced work, family, and personal growth—a testament to the life he believed in living.
A Day in the Life of Chen Benyamin Keren
Through family memories and anecdotes, we recreate a typical day in Chen’s life—a day that reveals the discipline, care, and purpose with which he approached every moment.
5:30 AM: Starting the Day with Purpose
Chen was an early riser, beginning his day at 5:30 AM. His mornings were sacred—a time to center himself and prepare for the day ahead. He’d start with a glass of water, followed by ten minutes of meditation to focus his mind.
“Dad always said that mornings were the foundation of a good day,” recalls Abigail. “He treated those first moments like they set the tone for everything else.”
6:00 AM: Fitness First
By 6:00 AM, Chen was already lacing up his sneakers or rolling out his yoga mat. Fitness was a cornerstone of his routine, whether it meant jogging through the neighborhood, lifting weights, or practicing yoga.
“He used to say that taking care of your body is taking care of your future,” Sarah shares. “He loved running at sunrise, calling it his time to reflect and recharge.”
7:15 AM: Family Breakfast
Breakfast was more than just a meal—it was a family tradition. By 7:15 AM, Chen was back home, ready to connect with his wife and daughters.
He often cooked simple yet nutritious meals, like scrambled eggs with avocado or oatmeal topped with fresh fruit. Abigail and Emily fondly remember his failed attempts at pancakes, which always ended in laughter.
Conversations at the breakfast table were a mix of lighthearted banter and thoughtful discussions about the day ahead. “He made every morning feel special,” Emily recalls.
8:00 AM: Diving into Work
Chen began his workday at 8:00 AM sharp. As a senior crypto financial manager at Coinbase, his schedule was packed, but he approached each task with clarity and focus.
Using time-blocking techniques, Chen Benyamin Keren broke his day into 25-minute work intervals, followed by short breaks. During those breaks, he’d stretch or take a short walk, ensuring his energy stayed consistent throughout the day.
“Chen’s focus was unmatched,” says David Ellis, a former colleague. “He believed in giving 100% to every task, no matter how small.”
12:30 PM: Lunch and Lifelong Learning
By 12:30 PM, Chen stepped away from his desk for lunch, often enjoying a salad or grilled chicken with vegetables. This was also his time for self-improvement. He’d listen to a podcast or read an article about emerging trends in blockchain technology, leadership, or personal growth.
“He never stopped learning,” says Robert Liu, an industry peer. “Chen believed that staying curious was the key to staying relevant.”
2:00 PM: Mentoring and Collaboration
Afternoons were Chen’s favorite part of the workday because they were dedicated to mentorship and teamwork. He held one-on-one sessions with younger colleagues, brainstorming with his team or discussing strategy with his peers.
“Chen never saw mentorship as an obligation—it was a joy for him,” recalls Sophia Martinez. “He wanted everyone to feel empowered to succeed.”
4:30 PM: Reflecting and Planning
By late afternoon, Chen wrapped up his workday. At 4:30 PM, he’d review his accomplishments and set goals for the following day. This habit of reflection allowed him to continuously improve, both professionally and personally.
“Dad always said that growth comes from self-awareness,” Abigail shares. “His planner was like a roadmap for success.”
5:30 PM: Family Time
Evenings were reserved for family. By 5:30 PM, Chen was fully present at home, ready to spend time with Sarah, Abigail, and Emily.
Dinner was a lively affair filled with laughter and stories. Afterward, the family often played board games or watched movies. “He had a way of making even the simplest evenings feel special,” Emily says.
8:30 PM: Pursuing Personal Passions
After family time, Chen dedicated an hour to his hobbies. Woodworking was his creative outlet, and he often worked on small projects in his garage. He also loved reading and journaling, finding joy in activities that nurtured his mind and soul.
“His garage was his happy place,” Sarah recalls. “He’d come out with sawdust in his hair and a huge smile on his face.”
9:30 PM: Unwinding with Sarah
By 9:30 PM, Chen and Sarah would wind down together. They enjoyed tea on the porch or caught up on their favorite shows, savoring these quiet moments as a couple.
“Chen was always present, even after a long day,” Sarah says. “Those evenings were my favorite time with him.”
10:30 PM: Ending the Day with Gratitude
Chen ended his day at 10:30 PM, reflecting on the day’s events and setting intentions for tomorrow. He believed in ending each day with gratitude, often journaling about what went well and what he was thankful for.
A Legacy of Discipline and Love
The life of Chen Benyamin Keren was a masterclass in balance and purpose. Each day reflected his commitment to living fully—whether through his work, his family, or his personal growth.
A year after his passing, his family and colleagues continue to cherish the lessons he left behind. Through his meticulously planned days, Ben Chen Keren showed us all that a meaningful life is built one intentional moment at a time.
