John P. Kinney

It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of John Powers Kinney, who passed away on April 6, 2026, at the age of 83.
John was born on August 17, 1942, in Glendale, California, to Jack and Lucille Kinney. From them, he learned the quiet virtues he carried all his life: kindness, perseverance, and doing right by others. Anyone who knew John knew his smile—it had a way of instantly putting people at ease. His hugs were legendary, his presence comforting, and his warmth genuine.
John shared 62 beautiful years of marriage with the love of his life, Geneva, who passed less than a year before him. They were true partners in every sense - best friends who faced life together with devotion, humor, and grace. It brings comfort to know that they are together again.
For more than 25 years, John owned and ran a local business, though he would have said it was never really about the business itself, it was about the people. He was someone you could trust, someone who listened, someone who showed up. His shop became a place where friendships were formed and where people felt welcome the moment they walked through the door. Even after retiring, John couldn’t quite stay away and continued working at the local community college bookstore, happily sharing stories, advice, and smiles with everyone who crossed his path.
John cared deeply about his community. He played a key role in the creation of the Downtown Merchants Association and the Ukiah Main Street Program, helping shape a downtown he was proud of. When he wasn’t working or volunteering, John could often be found in his garden, tending plants. Some of the best memories were made in his backyard with barbecues full of laughter, conversation, veggies from the garden, and his much‑appreciated burgers sizzling on the grill.
Above all else, John loved his family. He was a devoted father to his daughter, Janelle, and a proud grandfather to Davis, Nikolai, Maddie, Colten, and Casey. He adored his four great‑grandchildren and spoke of them often, filled with pride and hope for their futures. John is also survived by his sister, Lynne, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will forever remember his kindness, generosity, and humor.
John was preceded in death by his wife, Geneva; his son, Brent; his brother, Frank; and his parents, Lucille and Jack.
John’s absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, but his spirit lives on in shared stories, in laughter around the table, in gardens lovingly tended, and in the many lives he touched simply by being who he was.