Dr. Ralph A. Kinney passed away peacefully, with family members present, at Carpenter House on July 21, 2013, at the age of 82. He was a loving and devoted husband to his wife, Gail, of 53 years, the proud father of daughters, Alison Ramroth and Robin Tinsley (Gerald), and son Scott Kinney (Tania), and Papa to four grandchildren, Connor Ramroth, Olivia Tinsley, and Mila and Vivian Kinney. He is also survived by his loving sister Dian Kinney Collier (Bruce). He was a resident of Baton Rouge where he attended St. John's United Methodist Church and joyfully served the Shepherd's Market Ministry. Dr. Kinney was born in Frostproof, Fl, in 1930, to parents Claude and Ione Kinney, who precede him in death. He graduated from high school in Lake Placid, Fl, and earned his first degree in Physical Education from the University of Florida where he pitched baseball. He also pitched in the Minor League for the Gainesville G-Men. Soon thereafter, he served in the Korean War in the Army's 235th Field Artillery Battalion, and earned the rank of Captain. Upon his return, Dr. Kinney went on to earn Bachelors and Masters degrees in Electrical Engineering, followed by a PhD in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Physics, from the University of Florida. He began his career at LSU in 1967. During his thirty year tenure, he taught and mentored countless students, served as President of the Faculty Senate, and was awarded the John E. and Beatrice L. Ritter Professorship from the College of Engineering. Dr. Kinney retired as Professor Emeritus in 1998. As a retiree, he developed a talent for digitally restoring old photographs for family and friends. Throughout his life, Ralph Kinney was an athlete, soldier, teacher, sailor, artist, softball coach, sports fan, and proud mentor to those around him; a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend. There is no visitation, but a memorial service will be held at St John's United Methodist Church, 9375 Highland Road, on Thursday, July 25th, at 11:00 am, with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Carpenter House or the charity of your choice.
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Ralph was a friend and colleague for many years at LSU. Soon after I joined the LSU faculty in 1979 I found he was the colleague who bridged disagreements and remained calm and smiling in almost all circumstances. He was a raconteur and it was a pleasure to have coffee with him. My wife, Naumi, and I were invited to several dinners at their home by Ralph and Gail and these were truly enjoyable. He was kind and thoughtful and he always had the best interests of the ECE Department in mind.
Our deepest sympathies to Gail and family in this hour of loss. Our prayers are with them.
Subhash Kak
July 26, 2013
A few days after Dottie and I and the girls moved into 686 Rodney in July, 1974, Ralph was driving onto Rodney from Palmetto. I was in the front yard, somewhere near the end of the driveway. Ralph stopped abruptly in the middle of the street, jumped out of his car, walked over, extended his hand, introduced himself, and warmly welcomed us to the neighborhood. Talk about first impressions... Anyone who knew Ralph would find this anecdote to be quite typical.
We had the pleasure and privilege of being Ralph's and Gail's across-the-street neighbors (and friends) for the next 30+ years.
Bob Jenkins
July 25, 2013
Dr. Kinney, as I knew him, was a professor and mentor to me during my time at LSU. He looked out for me as he would his own family. In later years, he has been a colleague and mentor. I will miss him. My prayers are for Gail and the family in their time of loss.
Karen Brack
July 25, 2013
I remember a student coming in to my office at LSU one day, asking for Dr. "Skinny." From then on, that's how I greeted Dr. Kinney and he always laughed. He was such a gentleman; I offer my sympathy to your family.
Vicki Hannan
July 25, 2013
I will always grateful for Dr. Kinney's kindness to me when I joined the ECE faculty in 2003 and thereafter ever since. In sharing his talents beyond the classroom, Dr. Kinney prepared a wonderful article of "ECE News" about my research group which I shall always cherish. Dr. Kinney was never without a smile and a pleasant greeting for everyone he encountered. May the good Lord provide "the peace that surpasses all understanding" to his family and loved ones. He will be missed.
Theda Daniels-Race, Ph.D.
July 25, 2013
Burt Mc Neil
July 24, 2013
Ralph was a great friend to Lois and me from the day we joined the LSU family in 1976. He was a great teacher. I also admired his commitment to the Faculty through his service on the Faculty Senate. In that role he helped shape my view of the importance of faculty governance and leadership beyond a responsibility for a 50 minute lecture three times each week.
I cherish my friendship with Ralph and Gail.
Harvill Eaton
Lebanon, Tennessee
Harvill Eaton
July 24, 2013
We will always cherish Dr. Kinney's smile, warm personality, and his great work with our students and staff. It was a pleasure working with him in the College of Engineering. Please know that you are in our prayers.
Lisa Launey
July 24, 2013
I worked with Dr. Kinney at the College of Engineering. He was always so friendly, with a smile on his face. I'm sorry for your loss.
Lisa Bergens Fontenot
July 24, 2013
Gail and family, I am sorry for your loss. I worked with Dr. Kinney many years ago in the ECE department at LSU. He was a really great guy and was friendly towards everyone.
Rachel Bryant
July 24, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Ralph was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed.
Leslie Zganjar
Leslie Zganjar
July 24, 2013
Dr. Kinney was a great teacher and a great influence on me. God bless him!
Thomas S. Guillot,M.D.
LSU EE 1972
July 24, 2013
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