Kiha William Kinney
June 22, 1932 - April 30, 2020
Obituary
On Thursday, April 30, 2020, Kiha William Kinney, loving husband and father, passed away at age 87 in Hilo, Hawaii.
Kiha was born in Hana, Maui and raised on Kauai by Howard and Harriet Kinney. He graduated from Kamehameha Schools and married his high school sweetheart, Eleanor Castelo. He enlisted into the armed forces where he served in the Korean Conflict. After his service, he relocated his growing family to Wisconsin to attend college where he received his bachelor’s degree in engineering from the Milwaukee Institute of Technology. Kiha, one of the top ten in his graduating class, was noticed by Boeing and offered a job in Seattle. He was an engineer for the Boeing Company for 40 years. In Seattle, they established their home base and raised their children, Cynthia, Kiha, Jr., Kyle, and Lehuanani. After 50 years of marriage he was widowed in 2001. In 2012 Kiha married Genevieve Ann Freitas and relocated to Hilo, Hawaii where he enjoyed his last days.
Throughout his life he maintained a loving, loyal and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many, who even now are being changed by his witness of constant nurturing love and faith. He was a quiet, compassionate and kind gentleman holding the highest integrity in business, education, faith, and in family life.
He loved helping people through the church and his club involvements. His grace was evident in his work as an usher at St. Bernadette’s church for 40 years, a Knights of Columbus leader, his countless hours organizing church events, his work with the Kamehameha Schools Alumni association and involvement with numerous Hawaiian events in the community.
He loved Hawaii and the islands would call him home whenever he was away. He would always take the family to his favorite spots and “talk story” of his “spring chicken” days. His favorite spots were on the beach where he would build a mean sandcastle and play in the ocean and pick opihi and on his property where he would machete open a coconut for a quick drink or catch a breeze and a snack under the mountain apple tree.
He loved watching all sports, especially if it involved cheering on one of his grandkids. He loved watching a John Wayne western movie, riding his John Deere lawn mower, playing gin rummy, wearing a nice ironed shirt, “fine dining” at a restaurant and loved a stiff gin and tonic on the rocks.
He loved hearing from his children and grandchildren and wanted to attend all of their big and small events. He always engaged their minds, fielded their numerous questions with care and lifted their spirits with his little diddy “Don’t worry, Be happy”.
His signature gift of joy, shown through his constant smiling, joking around, catchy tag lines, and infectious laughter, will never be forgotten.
Kiha was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Harriet, first wife Eleanor, son Kiha Jr and siblings Everett, Constance, Ronald, Harold, David and Francis.
He is survived by his wife Genevieve, her children Kealoha (Kalima), Jordan (Kristen), and Jeanne, his loving children Cynthia (Mike), Kyle, and Nani (Mark), grandchildren Kiana (Joel), Kaila, Makenna, Keoni, and Kyle, numerous great-grandchildren, aunty’s, uncle’s and cousins.
Due to Covid, services will be for the immediate family, but the funeral service will be available to view remotely. Follow this link to view the services: Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83287574692
Meeting ID: 832 8757 4692
Messages of condolence are welcomed here.
Services will be held for immediate family only on Tuesday, May 26, 2020
9:00am-11:00am Viewing at Bonney-Watson
11:00am-11:30am Service at Bonney-Watson
12:00pm-1:00pm Burial Riverton Crest Cemetery
In lieu of flowers and in honor of Kiha Jr. and Kiha Sr. please make a donation to the The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Seattle or run The Winter Pineapple Classic for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society 5K under Team Don’t Worry, Be Happy.
Dear Nani, Mark & Family,
My heart goes out to you all as you grieve the loss of such a beautiful father & grandfather. Kiha was truly remarkable in his kindness, humility, intelligence and devotion to his family. I feel privileged to have known him, and I will never forget the genuineness of his smile and gentle spirit.
With love & prayers,
Kim Rooney
Dear Kinney Family–So sorry to hear about Kiha’s passing. I knew him for many, many years through all of our activities at St. Bernadette Parish. He was one of the most dedicated people I have ever met and he spent hours and hours of voluntary work in behalf of St. Bernadette. He was bound and determined to start a Knights of Columbus Council at St. Bernadette and finally was able to prevail in that endeavor. He was a great leader and his work will never be forgotten. My condolences to the entire Kinney family.
Pure Gentleman. Thank you Kiha for your friendship.
Jeff, Vivian, Jack and Anne Marie Haviland
I had many happy memories of cousin, Kiha. One special memory was when he and Ella came from Seattle to Vista, Ca to surprise his uncle (my father) James Kinney on his birthday.
Kiha, thank you for your leadership and friendship. May the Lord make his face to shine on your family and keep you forever.
Lewis Foust and family
Condolences to the Kinney family for there loss. Kiha was a gentalman and practied his faith to the fullness. It was of great pleasure to know Kiha and work with in th Knights
Columbus at St
Bernadette she. May he Rest In Peace. Frank Constantino
We will always remember you with fondness and a smile.
Craig and JoEllen Ralston
Kiha was one of the most respected and well liked people that I had the pleasure of working with for many years in the Boeing Environmental Test Laboratories in Kent. As someone else noted, a true gentleman. Thank you, Kiha And thank you, family, for posting this. I recently walked up the trail past your former home near Evergreen High and wondered how he was doing. May you all take comfort in the memories of his good life.
Dear Family – I agree with Bill Banks in all regards. Kiha was a wonderful presence in the Boeing test labs where he was part of a family in many respects. His hard work was always matched with a warm smile and friendly greeting. What a gift. May he rest in peace. He is remembered by many!
Sometimes there are no words…only thoughts from the heart. Please know how very sorry we are. With sincere sympathy. Kiha was always there where there was need. Me Ke Aloha Pumehana!
I was in the same Boeing group with Kiha starting with him graciously welcoming me in 1965. He was a prince of a guy and I am so sorry to hear that the Kinney family has lost him.
I’ll keep him in my prayers,
Peace,
We consider ourselves fortunate for knowing Kiha, his beautiful smile, love of sports and deep love for our dear Gennie. May he rest in peace. Gennie and her family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Dula and Lino Pacquiao
Our deepest sympathy and sending love from Big Island family and dear friend of Gennie and Kiha. We loved our dinners, long talk stories of back in the day! Kiha always the gentleman and a kindred spirit. He is loved and will be greatly missed.
kay and Peter Daub
Rest in Heaven Kiha.
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your father. I only met him a few times, he was so kind and truly embraced the Hawaiian spirit. May you find comfort from all who knew him and how he touched so many lives.
So sorry for your loss. My father Clarence Kinney spoke of Kiha often. My grandfather was Clarence and my dad also Clarence, my mom was Florence. I have 3 children… Emmett, Raeder Jr and Leigh all live on Oahu.
R.I.P.