Kenneth Michael Kines
Kenneth Michael Kines passed from this life on Monday, May 17, 2010, at the University of Virginia Medical Center. He left us quietly and peacefully, surrounded by his loving family. While we are deeply grieved by our loss, we rejoice that there is no more suffering. For five years, Michael bravely fought the progressive debilitation resulting from ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). His undaunted faith despite such an overwhelming disease was truly incredible, inspiring others through his hopeful, courageous attitude. Michael was sustained by the belief that this earth was never his permanent home. Having been an avid hiker and wilderness backpacker, he now is free to climb the highest mountains with Christ as his guide.
He was born on March 18, 1948, in Roanoke, Virginia, to Kenneth Black Kines and Isabelle Pool Kines. Michael was a Virginian, residing for many years in Richmond and graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School. He was educated at Hampden-Sydney College, where he obtained a bachelor's degree in history, and at the University of Richmond, where he was awarded a master's in history. He later earned a Master's in Business Administration from the Colgate Darden School at the University of Virginia.
Prior to pursuing his MBA, Michael was a manager for the Virginia Department of Health and the Department of Rehabilitative Services, where he met his future wife, Jennifer. Following graduation from Darden, he enjoyed an extensive career in banking in Charlotte, Tampa, and Baltimore, where he was Senior Vice President in charge of private banking for Bank of America's Maryland operation. He concluded his career at the University of Virginia, where he served as the Director of Administration for the Department of Otolaryngology.
Michael was a member of First Baptist Church in Charlottesville. For many years he was a volunteer swim official for the Jefferson Swim League and USA Swimming, and he was Meet Director for two years for ACAC's summer swim team. Michael also was chair of the Parents' Council for the Charlottesville YMCA Aquatic Club (CYAC). He was an enthusiastic outdoorsman, enjoying frequent hiking and wilderness backpacking excursions throughout the United States, Europe, and Canada. In his youth, he studied in Germany, toured Europe and the United States, and volunteered as a cardiac emergency medical technologist.
Michael was a gifted musician and singer as well as a knowledgeable opera enthusiast. He performed in numerous choral groups including the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Chorus, The Opera Society of Charlottesville, River Road Baptist Church Choir in Richmond, and the Hampden-Sydney Choir. He also was a talented cook who greatly enjoyed entertaining friends and family. He was a wonderful husband, father, brother, son and friend.
He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Bivens Kines and their daughter, Kathleen Michelle Kines; his sister and brother-in-law, Alice and Dennis T.Conroy of Lake Monticello; sister-in-law, Victoria J.Bivens of Richmond; brother-in-law, Howard H. Bivens II and family of Iaeger, West Virginia; nephew, Sean Conroy; and nieces, Heather Conroy and Dr. Amy L. Bivens. He also is survived by extended family in Pennsylvania and Virginia as well as many caring friends.
A memorial service and celebration of life will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 2, 2010, at First Baptist Church, Park Street, Charlottesville, with Dr. J. Lindsay Sadler Jr. officiating. There will be a reception following the service at the church fellowship hall. A private service of interment will take place at The Orchard Cemetery in Ballard, West Virginia.
The family wishes to express its deep appreciation to staff of the University of Virginia ALS Clinic and the pulmonary and neurology departments along with Mrs. Lisa Berman and Ms. Kimberly Cromwell for their compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the ALS Association, 7507 Standish Place, Rockville, MD 20855 or the charity of your choice.
This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.
