Richard John Kinsman

Richard passed away at home, surrounded by his family, on February 15th.

Born and raised in Colon, Panama, Richard lived there with his family until the age of 14, when they moved to Seattle. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1952. After graduation, Richard enlisted in the Army, where he was stationed at Kagnew Station in Asmara, Eritrea/Ethiopia, a secret army listening post. His service during the Korean War took him to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Germany.

Upon returning to the United States, Richard earned an associate degree in Commercial Art and worked for three years as a designer and illustrator at a Seattle advertising agency. In 1960, he married Joan.

In 1964, Richard was hired as Art Director for KCTS 9 (now Cascade PBS), where he spent 35 years in public television. He received numerous awards from The Association of Television Broadcasters and won two Emmys for stage and set design.

Richard had a passion for gardening and sailing. He and Joan created two award-winning gardens, including winning the 2001 Grand Prize at the Seattle Flower and Garden Show, which included a trip to the Chelsea Garden Show in London. Their gardens were featured in Sunset Magazine, the Seattle Times, and on numerous garden tours, including Bainbridge in Bloom.

Together with their two children, David and Laura, Richard and Joan spent many summers sailing to the San Juan Islands and the Canadian Gulf Islands.

After retiring in 1996, Richard and Joan traveled to over thirty countries, both by cruise ships and planes. They also spent ten winters at their home in Surprise, Arizona.

A friend and neighbor summed up Richard perfectly: “Tell Richard how much I enjoyed knowing him. I’m worried they don’t make people like him anymore. He is so damn funny, gracious, and dapper. We will miss him.”

Richard is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joan; his son, David Kinsman; his daughter, Laura Kinsman; and his grandchildren, Steven and Hillary Kinsman, and Logan and Parker Griensewic.

The family wishes to thank Kaiser Hospice for the loving care and support they provided during this difficult time.

A Celebration of Life will be held May 26th, 2pm at Meadowmeer Golf and Country Club 8530 Renny Lane NE Bainbridge Island, WA.

Memorial tributes may be made to Bainbridge Island Helpline House, Bainbridge Island Land Trust, or the charity of your choice.