CRAIG ROBERT KINNEY

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

CRAIG ROBERT KINNEY

December 7 1974 - September 20, 2022

Craig was the second of three sons of Gail and Douglas Kinney of Brandon, MB. He passed away peacefully at the University of Alberta Transplant Hospital in Edmonton surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife Stacey Nelson, son Matthew, daughter Lennon, former wife Clare Guse, their daughter Ryan, parents Gail and Doug, brothers Garnet (Christina [Cole and Catryn]), and Brett (Krista [Melrose and Hudson]).



Sports were a significant part of his life. In Brandon he played hockey and soccer at both a recreational and elite level. Hockey led him to opportunities to play for the Regina Pats, Notre Dame Hounds, and Portage Terriers.



Following high school graduation he attended Assiniboine Community College, earning diplomas in Rural Initiatives and Agri-business. This training led him to business opportunities in Calgary, Sylvan Lake and later to Red Deer. Craig excelled in all aspects of business, as a buyer, seller, and management in particular at Window Masters and Peavey Mart. In Red Deer he joined the Kinsman Club and became friends with a variety of business members. Eventually he became club president, chairman, and chief fundraiser for their Dream Home Lottery.



In Red Deer Craig continued his hockey involvement, coaching a variety of minor teams and later instructing at the Sylvan Lake hockey schools. This led him to coaching opportunities in Austria to help their hockey development programs. Following this he was employed by the Red Deer Rebels as their video coach for several years – a dream come true.



At home Craig was a wonderful Dad to Ryan, Matthew and Lennon. He carefully monitored their school progress and provided each with an abundance of extra-curricular activities. Often he organized games nights at home and always managed to conveniently lose at bedtime. His sense of humour always shone through with the children, his adult friends and family. From infancy Craig and his brothers spent most weekends and holidays on their grandparents mixed farm. There, they developed an affinity for animals, particularly for dogs. He transferred this trait to his children. At age-appropriate times he delegated the tasks for feeding, grooming and exercising them.



His strength of character was an inspiration to us all. He remained positive through over three decades of ongoing health concerns. Craig was a man of few words, an abundance of friends, and great faith. A Celebration of Life was held for him at Cross Road Church in Red Deer on Oct. 28, 2022. He is deeply loved and missed by family and friends.



Donations in his memory may be made to the University of Alberta Transplant Hospital. The Saving Grace Animal Society of Red Deer, or charity of your choice.

We thought of you today,

but that is nothing new.

We thought about you yesterday,

and the days before that, too.

We think of you in silence,

we often speak your name.

Now all we have are memories

and your picture in a frame.

Your memory is our keepsake,

with which we’ll never part.

God has you in his keeping,

we have you in our heart.

As published in Brandon Sun on Sep 16, 2023