Eric Rice Kinney

Eric Rice Kinney, age 66, of Cumberland, Maine, passed away peacefully at home on June 15, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Eric was born in Harvey, Illinois, to Richard Rice Kinney and Jeanne Ferguson Kinney. He had 2 siblings – Susan and Steven. Throughout his life, he was known for his kindness, integrity, and unwavering faith.

Eric grew up in Boxford, Massachusetts, and graduated from Masco High School in Topsfield. He later attended the University of Maine Portland-Gorham, where he nurtured his love for learning and growth. His professional life was marked by dedication and expertise in the potato industry, working with West Lynn Creamery, Northland Frozen Foods, LL Bean, and earning a well-respected reputation for his knowledge and work ethic.

He was a devoted father to his sons, Justin Rice Kinney (Ann Hudson) and Mathew Ethan Kinney (Erika McCoy Kinney), and cherished his grandchildren Jude Rice Kinney, Isaac Nicholas Kinney, and Morgan Egline Kinney. Family was at the center of Eric’s life, and his greatest joy was being a loving and patient father.

Eric was a man of many passions—he loved cooking, snowmobiling, camping, fishing, jet skiing, kayaking, and scuba diving. An avid lover of music, especially rock, he enjoyed action-packed movies and the water’s serenity. He appreciated growing things, scouting, and the outdoors, and was known for his wit, honesty, and straightforwardness. His faith was a cornerstone of his life, and he had a deep love for the gospel of Jesus Christ, serving actively in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including many years as the ward mission leader in Yarmouth.

He was a man who knew how to get things done, always prepared, reliable, and willing to help others. His logical mind and gentle spirit made him a true friend and a beloved member of his community.

A Memorial Service service honoring Eric’s life will be held on Thursday June 19, 2025 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 247 Walnut Hill Rd, Yarmouth, Maine, 04097. The family will receive friends from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the Relief Society Room, followed by the Memorial Service from 10:30am to 11:30. A family luncheon will follow. Please use this link to view the live stream.

https://zoom.us/j/97990854522

Eric will be remembered as a good man—kind, witty, honest, and dedicated. To know him was to love him. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew him.