Stan Kinnier

1937 - 2022

STAN KINNIER Stan Kinnier passed away at home on September 8, 2022 with his wife and two friends with him. He was 85. Stan was born in New Plymouth, ID on February 16, 1937 to Leland and Helen Kinnier. Shortly afterwards, the family moved to Red Bluff where Stan attended the local schools, graduating in 1954 at the age of 17 1/2 years. He worked and attended Shasta Jr. College, graduating in 1956. In January of 1957, he enlisted in the US Army and was stationed at Fort Ord, CA before being assigned to Fort Belvoir, VA. He also was sent to Atlanta, GA to teach for the Army. He met Janice Page while visiting with an Army buddy and by December of 1958 had proposed to her. Stan returned home to Red Bluff in January of 1959. In June, Stan returned to Tarboro, NC and he and Jan were married by her brother, a Presbyterian minister, on June 28, 1959. They went back to Red Bluff to meet family and friends, and soon settled in Chico, attending classes while working. He did his student teaching at Orland High School and in 1963, after graduating from College; he was hired by Orland Unified School District. He taught 35 years from 1963-1998. His teaching experience included US History, World History, World Geography, Physical Education, and Student Driver Training. He coached boys' tennis, freshman basketball and football, JV football, Varsity basketball, and girls' JV softball. He finished his career with 168 wins - including 3 WSL titles in basketball. He also coached Little League baseball, officiated Pop Warner football and high school teams, and officiated baseball, softball, and mens' fast-pitch softball. Stan was recognized for his officiating of the Lions Club All Star Football Game 1980. For his own recreation, he enjoyed pool, bowling (member of North State All-Star Bowlers), fast pitch softball (hit a grand slam), ping-pong, golf, horseshoes, swimming, and any card game! His wife and sons enjoyed being with their dad through it ALL!! We must mention his love for music. Stan sang in his high school acapella choir and the US Army choir in Fort Belvoir. He sang all around the house! His wife played music for him many hours every day during his illness. He also was a lover of cars and a jack-of-all-trades! He was involved in many community activities - collecting food via the Green Bag Program for the Orland Pantry, co-hosting California Retired Teachers' meetings, transporting those needing assistance, volunteering for the Avenue of Lights, selling tickets at the "train station" at the fair, monitoring traffic at the fair, helping kids make homemade ice cream at the Orland History Camp, supporting the Orland Free Library by playing in the Bridge Marathon and watching over the Glenn County State fair entry in Sacramento. He was active with North Valley Blood Drives (and was a donor for years), was a member of the Federated Church of Orland, and served as the financial secretary for over 40 years; he was also a trustee. Stan is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jan, sons Trent (Christelle) of Charlotte, NC and Garth (Brooke) of Fresno, CA. He is also survived by his grandson, J.T., of Fresno and many relatives. He shall be dearly missed by all who knew him. The service for Stan will be Sept. 24, 2022 at 11:30 AM at the Federated Church of Orland. Wear Orland High blue if you wish!