October 12, 1943 ~ February 11, 2013
Michael Leon Kinnan was born October 12, 1943, at Fort Riley, KS, to Dr. and Mrs. Leon Frank Kinnan. He grew up in Caldwell, KS, where he graduated high school with the class of 1961. He graduated from The University of Kansas in 1968 with a degree in elementary education. He also attended Elkins School of Broadcasting where he earned his FCC broadcasting license. He then began a long career in broadcasting starting as a disc jockey at KGNO Radio in Dodge City, KS. He often said early in his career that "he couldn't believe he was getting paid to play music."
Mike was married to Trisha Slack on August 9, 1970, in Oxford, KS. To this union was born two children, a son, David in 1975, and a daughter, Lindsay in 1978.
Mike worked his way through the radio business from disc jockey to sales and sales manager to general manager of KGNO and K95.
During his time in Dodge City, Mike also worked for Goff Motors and the Dodge City Convention and Visitors Bureau, where he was able to share his love of history.
In 2004, Mike and Trisha left Dodge City after 34 years so Mike could work for the Kansas Lottery in Topeka, KS. He planned to work there for many years, but in December of 2008 he was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, (Lou Gehrig's Disease). He retired then early in 2009 and spent the next four years dealing with his plight with grace and humor. This wasn't how he had planned to spend his retirement.
In 2011, Mike and Trisha moved to Derby, KS, to be closer to family. He died at their home on Monday, February 11, 2013.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Leon and Jean Kinnan, his sister, Karen Jean Bacon. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Trisha; his son David and wife Tamlin of Palo Alto, CA and their children Dane and Anali; and his daughter Lindsay and fiancé Joshua Gant of Council Grove, KS and a large, loving extended family.
Mike was loved by so many people because of his sense of humor, kindness, and generosity. He will be greatly missed.
A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 16, 2013 at the United Methodist Church in Cadwell, Kansas.
Memorials may be given in Mike's memory to the Caldwell High School Alumni Association, ALS Association, Mike and Trish Kinnan Educational Scholarship Fund at Dodge City Community College or to the Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice.
Leave Condolences
Condolences
Craig and Elizabeth Williams
Family and Friends - 02/12/2013
We were so sorry to hear about Mikes' passing. I know you all were having a hard time, but now we know he's at peace.
We have a lot of memories of Mike, when we grew up together in Caldwell. He was always fun to be around.
We will keep you in our prayers.
Love,
Craig and Frick
-
Denny & Glynda Young
Family and Friends - 02/12/2013
Our thoughts & prayers have been with you all thru these last few days. The good byes are long & each day brings extreme hope or despair.
One of my brightest memories of our 50th Homecoming in Caldwell was being able to see Mike & sit across the table at our luncheon. To visit & laugh with him brought back such warm feelings of the "good old" carefree days.
Mike, rest in peace.
God Bless you all. Denny & Glynda
-
Lynn and Milt Skaggs
Family and Friends - 02/12/2013
So sorry to hear. We're donating to the Dodge City Community College fund in Mike's name.
-
Lunchbox
Family and Friends - 02/12/2013
Our deepest condolences for your loss. We will be donating to The Mike & Trish Kinnan Educational Scholarship Fund at the Dodge City Community College in memory of your father.
- Lunchbox
-
Jeff and Dona Beth Larimer
Family and Friends - 02/12/2013
May the Lord bless and keep you all...our thoughts and prayers are with each of you. Jeff & Dona Beth
-
M Ward
Family and Friends - 02/13/2013
Mike you were the one who handed out Purple Hearts for the football injurys, now you have won a Silver Star.
-
Kelly Elias
Family and Friends - 02/13/2013
I really enjoyed working with Mike at the Kansas Lottery. His sense of humor was legendary. My thoughts and prayers are with you! God bless you all.
-
Leon Liebl
Family and Friends - 02/14/2013
Mike was one of my favorite people of all time. I grew up listening to him on the radio. And then amazingly, the voice in the box would become a friend. Always enjoyed talking to him or receiving an e-mail. He provided me with a lot of encouragement. Plus what a wonderful sense of humor. He even got my jokes.
My best to all his family and friends.
-
Tom Payne
Family and Friends - 02/14/2013
My deepest condolences to Mike's family.
I know Mikey...as I called him.... would want us to be celebrating "his" life...not mourning "our" loss.
Mikey always looked for the postive's in everything and everyone...and did his best to try and instill some of his positive attitued in me...:-)
Life is about making your mark in the world...and Mikey did just that! His off the wall comments and jokes always made people SMILE and he contributed a lot to the World of Radio and the Kansas Lottery.
KU basketball was a passion for Mikey...and he kept me up to speed with the latest stats on every KU player. I will miss the many conversations we have shared the past few years... but I know he will still be there chanting "Rock Chalk Jayhawk" at each game. And how great was it for him to leave us on the same day that KU came back and destroyed K-State!
Rock Chalk Mikey...It's been a fun ride!
-
Debbie Kolarik Barnes
Family and Friends - 02/14/2013
Having grown up with Doc as our family Doctor and attending church with the family, Mike was always such a character. His love of history was evident early on when he and classmates (age 16?) came to our home one evening to pick my mom's brain (Maxine Kolarik). She was an avid historian and former teacher. I remember thinking at the time that they had come to see the right lady.
ALS is such a nasty disease. My older children lost their dad to it 7 years ago. I am truly sorry for anyone who has to go through this. Having said that, I can see Mike doing it with grace and dignity and humor.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you, Trish, and to your family. I am sure that your memories of Mike are wonderful and I can honestly say, it was an honor to know him and the family, when I was a Kid!
-
Kisa Burke Nichols
Family and Friends - 02/14/2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May your memories this wonderful husband, dad, and friend carry you through.
Lots of love,
Kisa Burke Nichols and Family
-
Dave Sparks
Family and Friends - 02/15/2013
I was another of those KGNO listeners who grew up listening to Mike Kinnan's "audio radiance for the radio audience." And, like Leon Liebl, I had the great privilege of working and laughing with--and learning from--Mike as he progressed through the company.
Trisha, David, Lindsay and your families--you're in my thoughts.
-
Gerald & Dianna Schmitt
Family and Friends - 02/15/2013
Trisha and family, you have our deepest sympathies. We will all miss Mike. He was always willing to work with us on school and city projects with his position at KGNO. You are in our prayers.
-
Bob and Kathy Cunningham Booth
Family and Friends - 02/15/2013
Mike always made me smile. My parents thought so much of him and he would always stop by the station and visit Dad when he was in Caldwell. I'm certain they are discussing KU Basketball in heaven. Rock Chalk, Mike.
-
Chris Whelchel
Family and Friends - 02/15/2013
I will always remember Mike for allowing me, as a senior at FHSU, to intern at his radio stations in 1994. His love of music and small market radio sparked the same in me. He called me in early 2000 and asked if I would be interested in moving from Dallas back to Dodge City to do a morning show on his classic rock station. I didn't have to think about it and told him I would be there in a week. My decision was based on two things - I was still passionate about local radio, but, foremost, I would be coming back to work with Mike. He would pop his head into the studio every morning with a corny joke that would have me smiling all day. They say you can't take it with you when you go, but I bet Mike's sense of humor made the trek up to heaven with him and he has all the angels in stitches.
-
Patricia Ralph
Family and Friends - 02/15/2013
Trish, David & Lindsay - You all have been in my heart and my prayers. Mike was a SPECIAL person & friend to our family. He always had a joke that only Oakley understood!! But I loved to see them laugh together so it didn't matter that I didn't get it! Bless his heart, he is now free at last and has seen the face of Jesus. The memories in your hearts will last forever. Peace be with you all. Sincerely, Pat Ralph
-
Carolyn Heerman
Family and Friends - 02/15/2013
Trish and family,
I am so sorry for your loss, but it is nice to think of Mike entertaining everyone in Heaven. I was one of Mike's classmates through his years of school in Caldwell. Mike was such a special person and I have such wonderful memories of him. He made everything lively and fun for all of us.
I wish I could attend his memorial tomorrow but I am not able to. I will pray for special blessings upon your family.
-
Denise Simon
Family and Friends - 02/22/2013
Trish,
So sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I can remember listening to him for so many years on the radio.
Thoughts and prayers are extended to you and your family.
-
Lyle Butler
Family and Friends - 02/25/2013
Trish and Family,
I was so sorry to hear of Mikes passing. I had the wonderful opportunity to learn from Mike during my early days at KEDD Radio, when he worked for the competition, and then one day work with Mike at KGNO/KDCK. I can't tell you how many times I enjoyed his wonderful sense of humor...
I had the great experience in Dodge City to work with the two best broadcasters in Dodge City's history...Mike Kinnan and Eric Warshaw...I miss them both as great radio broadcasters and wonderful human beings.
My prayers and thoughts are with his family....
-
Tony Wrisinger
Family and Friends - 03/31/2013
I just saw this about Mike's passing today. When I was the Affiliates Relations Manager for the Kansas City Royals Radio Network, I always enjoyed my conversations with Mike and enjoyed my visits to Dodge City to visit with him. He was a truly a great person that I was blessed to call my friend. I am truly saddened by this news and my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Kommentare