Steven Lynn Kinney

Steven Lynn Kinney passed away in his home in Clifton, Colorado, the evening of October 18, 2025, with his wife, Kendra, and oldest daughter, Heather, at his side.

He was born in Orange City, Iowa, in 1943 to C.L. and Elva Kinney. Steve and his younger brother, Bruce, were raised in a series of small towns, including Deer Trail and Ouray, Colorado, where C.L. was a passionate educator. He served as a teacher, school administrator, and basketball coach.

Steven excelled in school, forming a lifelong enthusiasm for science and math. He was president of his graduating class at Ouray High School before attending the University of Colorado, Boulder. He studied biology and statistics before graduating with a degree in business. Steve formed lasting friendships at CU and met his first wife, Marywyn, there. He later studied marketing at ‘UCLA,’ as he called the University of Colorado at Lawrence and Arapahoe.

Steve had multiple careers, from his first job straightening nails for his grandfather, through paper routes and restaurant work. After college, he went into retail management, moving to multiple locations for Woolworth’s and TG&Y. He also worked in a dental lab and a refrigerated warehouse before returning to the classroom. Steve took a position in Craig, CO, where he first taught high school biology, followed by college-level statistics and algebra. He even taught some GED classes along the way. In Austin, CO, he went to work for RDA, Research Design 4 Agriculture, first as an office manager and later in quality assurance. He learned all about agricultural research and traveled the world to support various studies. His experience at RDA led to his ultimate career as an independent consultant and FDA auditor. Across his many roles, he brought with him a witty sense of humor, a keen intelligence, and an unmatched diligence.

In his time away from work, Steve loved to cook. He was famous for his Caesar salad, his peach cobbler, and his brisket. He would make his own mayo for potato salad and liked to make toffee around the holidays. In recent years, he was excited to make Sunday gravy and loved all the newest technology and gadgets, like the IR thermometer he used on the grill. Steve loved music, especially Bob Dylan. He enjoyed the art of Vincent Van Gogh, the photography of Ansel Adams, and every new Apple product. He always rooted for the Denver Broncos and his beloved CU Buffs.

Steve and his first wife had two children, Heather and Brandon. He and his second wife, Kendra, married in the fall of 1987. They enjoyed over 40 years together, through multiple moves, career changes, and travel adventures, while raising Steve’s stepdaughters, Casey and Meghan. Grandpa Steve doted on his 9 grandchildren and has been a favored uncle to his nieces and nephews. His home was always full of freshly prepared Colorado produce, energetic dogs, and charmingly long stories from his many adventures. We will all miss him greatly.

A celebration of life will be held on June 6, 2026, in Ouray, CO.