Harold "Hal" Gray Kinard

“You can and you will!” were the words of inspiration and guidance for many students at Lincoln Junior High from 1960 to 1978. These were the words from their PE teacher, Harold Kinard, a beloved teacher, coach, mentor, friend, father, and husband. Harold Kinard passed away peacefully at home on March 7, 2024.

Hal, born on August 22, 1933 to Percie and Ruby Kinard, spent his early years on Watermelon Road just outside of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Hal’s father, Percie, moved the family to Denver, Colorado in the 1940s. Struggling to fit in, Hal found a passion and skill in the game of basketball. He excelled so much at West High School in Denver that he earned a basketball scholarship to Colorado A & M (later Colorado State University) in Fort Collins, Colorado. Hal was known as “the Cat” because of his quick, decisive moves. He was part of a team that went to the NCAA tournament, and he was even invited to try out for the Minneapolis Lakers. He declined. Years later, Hal was inducted into the Colorado State Sports Hall of Fame, and his image is one of many past CSU greats outside of Moby Arena. While playing basketball, Hal earned a Bachelor of Science degree and a teaching certificate. His teaching plans were put on hold as he served in the United States Army for two years. After receiving his honorable discharge, Hal returned to Northern Colorado and began his teaching and coaching career at Waverly High School. Eventually, Hal was brought into Lincoln Junior High School where he coached and taught PE for 18 years. During this time, Hal met the love of his life, Sandra Joy. They married in Pueblo, Colorado on July 22, 1966. Together, they raised three sons–Andrew, Monte, and Ryan. Hal enjoyed summer trips with his family to Alabama, Disneyland, Mount Rushmore, and Mesa Verde. Hal was also an avid fisherman and gardener. After his years at Lincoln Junior High, Hal served as assistant principal at Lesher Junior High; a teacher of at risk youth at the Alternative Junior High with Mr. Gil Garbajal. Finally, he concluded his career in 1998 at Wellington Junior High.

Extremely humbled with the honor of having Kinard Middle School named after him, Hal thoroughly enjoyed his time getting to know Mr. Jo Cuddemi, the founding principal of Kinard Middle School. He often visited the school and so enjoyed being around the dynamic and creative staff and students.

In his retirement years, Harold loved worshiping at Vineyard Christian Fellowship. He also worked part-time at Allnutt Funeral Service for several years, endearing himself to the community and with those he served. He enjoyed writing poetry, white water rafting, reading, solving puzzles, and simply talking with friends from all over the country. He also loved spending time with his grandchildren, Isaac and Evan.

Hal is preceded in death by his son Monte who passed away in 2020. Hal is survived by his sister, Francis Wilson, of Denver, Colorado; his wife, Sandra; his sons Andrew (Joy), Ryan (Alicia), Isaac and Evan, his grandsons, as well as many other relatives in his extended family.

Harold’s funeral service will be on Sunday, April 7, 2024 at 4 pm at Timberline Church.

Memorial Service Livestream link. https://youtube.com/live/cGQ0ZrSm-Fo?feature=share