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Obituary for Leland Dale Kinnie
Kinnie, Leland Dale, was born May 4, 1930 in Julesburg, Colorado. He was the youngest in a family of nine children – 6 girls and 3 boys. Lee was raised on a farm and began helping and doing chores at the age of 5. He would tell the story about how he learned to drive the tractor on the farm when he was about 8 years old! Needless to say, Lee’s sense of adventure and daring nature was seen early in this young man’s life. When Lee was 17 years old, he enlisted in the United States Navy. Because of his young age, his dad had to sign the papers giving his permission. Lee was driven and determined to join the service. (It also probably kept him out of trouble!) He served in the Navy for 4 years. While on leave in San Francisco, Lee met the love of his life, Nina. Oddly enough, it was a blind date set up by one of his Navy buddies. Lee and Nina went out on their first date, and as they say – “the rest is history”. Lee and Nina moved to Denver where they raised their three girls – Ruth, Karen and Terri. Lee’s girls were his pride and joy! He worked hard to give them all they could ever want or need. It was such a source of pleasure for him to see his girls dressed in matching outfits for special occasions such as – Easter, Mother’s Day and even the numerous Rodeo events! Lee was most certainly a visionary and entrepreneur. He began his career as a car salesman, but soon decided he wanted to work in home sales. Lee began working with a contractor named Glen Haag. After starting as a salesman, his interest in construction became a driving force. In his thirties, Lee began his own company: Lee Kinnie Construction. Over the next 30+ years, the familiar slogan “Need a Teepee see Lee”, became known by many throughout the Denver area. One of the homes he certainly put his heart and soul into was his own home that he built for his wife and girls on Upham Street in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. Lee was a cowboy at heart. He loved to ride and train his cutting horse, Sobre Suzette. He competed in Rodeos throughout Wyoming, Utah and Colorado and participated in the National Stock Show yearly. He often placed in the events and has many trophies and ribbons to show. His family often accompanied him to the Rodeos – many fond memories for them all! Lee also was a member of the El Jebel Shriners – Palomino Patrol. He owned a horse named Bing and was seen riding at the Shriner’s Circus every year. Bing was a beloved horse and was also a favorite of Nina and the girls. There were lots of fun and memorable times spent by Lee and his family at the Palomino Patrol. A favorite hobby later in Lee’s life became golf. He loved the game and the challenge it brought to improve and excel. Lee was an avid golfer and certainly enjoyed a good round of golf with his buddies. It was also a sport that Lee and Nina enjoyed together. The two of them enjoyed many trips to play a variety of golf courses. Lee’s competitive nature and determined spirit came through on the “tees and greens”. Lee continued to play golf until his health would no longer allow him to play (about 1 year ago). No matter what, he always enjoyed a good game and had some “words of advice” to those who would listen. Lee Kinnie lived his life with adventure, laughter and vigor. There were also times of great difficulty and challenge. One of Lee’s greatest accomplishments was his sobriety for the last 25 years of his life. Through the support of family and friends, the AA program, and faith in his “Partner” – Lee conquered his worst enemy. It allowed him to enjoy and appreciate his life and his family more than ever! One of Lee’s favorite verses came from the AA handbook and guided his life: “God grant me the Serenity, to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference.” Leland Dale Kinnie – you lived your life well. God blessed us with you. We love you and we’ll miss you.
