Donald Kinney

With his beloved wife, Lynne, by his side, Don Kinney (fondly known as Captain Kinney) passed away on the morning of February 20, 2025, at Crossroads Memory Care. After battling Parkinson's dementia and multiple cancer diagnoses for many years, Don remained at home until December 23, 2024, when it became unsafe for him to do so, and Lynne could no longer provide the level of care he needed.

Don was born on March 31, 1945, at Fitzsimons Hospital in Aurora, Colorado-three minutes before his twin brother, Doug. At the time, their father was serving overseas in the military, leaving their mother to navigate the unexpected arrival of twins on her own.

Throughout his childhood, Don lived in Florida, Wiesbaden AFB in Germany, and later returned to Aurora when his father was stationed at Lowry AFB. He and Doug spent their youth playing sports, particularly excelling in Little League baseball, with their father coaching many of their teams. During this time, Don's uncle, Al Kinney, lived with the family as a rookie Denver police officer. Don eagerly shined Al's shoes and prepared his uniform for a small payment-an experience that sparked his dream of becoming a police officer.

A graduate of the University of Northern Colorado, Don began his career as a teacher in the Adams City School District before working for Reader's Digest, where he became a standout employee for its founder, DeWitt Wallace.

In 1979, Don joined the Federal Protective Service, where he rose to the rank of Captain/Force Commander. His leadership and expertise led him to participate in numerous high-profile operations, including security for the Timothy McVeigh (OKC Bombing) trial, the Salt Lake City Olympics, several presidential conventions and inaugurations, and disaster response efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. A trusted collaborator across multiple jurisdictions, Don was widely respected in the field. In 1983, he was honored with a Valor Award by the Denver Police Chief for his outstanding service.

Don and Lynne, who he affectionately called "Honey," married on Valentine's Day-also Lynne's birthday-in 2006, a day they lovingly referred to as their Trifecta. Together, they shared a love for travel, especially to the Caribbean. Their final vacation in 2024 was a celebration of their 18th anniversary in the Cayman Islands. Don also cherished time spent in the Florida Keys, Arizona, Washington, D.C., and along the Missouri River.

A passionate bowler and golfer, Don was fiercely competitive in both. He was known for his quick wit, playful nature, and knack for storytelling. A natural prankster, he often took credit for Lynne's beautifully maintained flower gardens, much to her amusement. He had an innate ability to connect with others and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Even in the midst of his own cancer treatment at MD Anderson in 2021, Don took time to assist a fellow patient into her car, proving that his kindness knew no bounds.

Don's piercing blue eyes and signature dimples made a lasting impression. He had a deep love for classic cars and took meticulous care of his prized 1995 C4 red Corvette, winning numerous first-place awards at car shows. Each summer, he devoted countless hours to preparing it for competition.

To his nieces, Don was more than an uncle-he was a mentor and protector. As young girls, they fondly remember being lined up in formation and assigned ranks under his command. As they grew older and started driving, he made it his mission to inspect their cars, ensuring they were well-maintained and safe. He was a stickler for security-purses were never to be left in plain sight, blinds were to be closed at night, and knives were never to be left out. His commitment to safety extended beyond his family; he was fiercely patriotic and stood for every rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner, whether on television or in person.

Even in his final months at memory care, Don remained a captivating presence among residents and staff. On February 14-his last terminal surge day-he sat up in bed and declared that he wanted his favorite sandwich. That day, he spent cherished hours in the community TV room, enjoying his meal and visiting with others.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Lynne; daughter, Natalie (Chris); twin brother, Doug (Jannie); sister-in-law, Diane; two nieces, Caroline and Danielle and one great-niece, Hailea. 

Lynne and the family extend their deepest gratitude to the compassionate staff at Crossroads Memory Care, the dedicated team at Dignity Hospice, and the many friends who brought joy and comfort to Don in his final days.

In honor of Don's legacy, memorial donations will be accepted by Servants of Christ International. A chapel, parsonage, and clean filtered water will be built in his name to serve the impoverished Aeta people of Mt. Pinatubo, Philippines-a fitting tribute to a man whose generosity and kindness knew no borders.

To donate click on this link: https://give.cornerstone.cc/servantsintl

Select to designate deGuzman Danzena-Aeta 

Comment DON Chapel at an Aeta village in the Philippines, or checks may be mailed to 

Servants of Christ International

8406 18th Street

Greeley, CO 80634

(DON Chapel annotated)

More about Servants of Christ: https://servantsintl.org/missionaries/deguzman-danzena-aeta-pastors/