Russell (Russ) W. Kinaman, age 91, passed away at his home in Essex, Vt., on May 26, 2026.
He was born December 8, 1934, in New York City to Russell B. Kinaman and Dorothy Simmons Kinaman. Growing up in White Plains, N.Y., he was an avid supporter of sports and active in Boy Scouts, earning his Eagle Scout rank. He graduated from the University of Maine in 1958 with a BS degree in bacteriology. Russ was an active member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, which he continued to support throughout his life as well as the university. Having earned his commission through ROTC, he served two years in the U.S. Army as a chemical officer, mostly at Fort Belvoir, Va., where he met his wife, Lilo Weihe, and they were married in 1962.
Russ began a 30-year career in sales in 1961 with the Upjohn Pharmaceutical Company, first in the D.C. area, then Philadelphia and finally in Vermont, much more convenient for good skiing. Russ had been active with the National Ski Patrol at Blue Knob and Camelback Ski Areas in Pennsylvania, so joined the Smugglers’ Notch Patrol in the mid-’70s. In the early ’80s he joined the ski school at Sugarbush North, and the family (Lilo, son Jeff and daughter Kristen) spent nearly every winter weekend on the slopes. In the late ’90s, Russ became a volunteer with Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, especially finding satisfaction in teaching visually impaired skiers.
The family went hiking often. Russ and son Jeff hiked the Long Trail over six months in 1980, with Lilo and Kristen often helping to spot a car and hiking partway. In the ’80s and ’90s he entered a number of running races, marathons and triathlons. He became an avid biker and enjoyed many day trips and multiday rides in Vermont, other parts of New England and Québec. Many were fundraisers for the American Lung Association. In later years, he took up cross-country skiing, telemarking and kayaking. Other interests included volunteer church work, Eagle Scout Boards of Review, and participating in outings of the Green Mountain Club and Burlington Ski and Outing Club. He always enjoyed attending concerts and plays.
Traveling took Russ and Lilo to many islands to snorkel in the Caribbean, as well as Costa Rica, Belize, Panama and especially the Galapagos. They visited many U.S. national parks and loved the coast of Maine and Monhegan Island. More recently they traveled to Iceland and Norway, and enjoyed a European river cruise.
Above all, Russ was very proud of what his children, Jeff and Kristen, accomplished, though he would admit he didn’t tell them often enough. He was also proud of how Jeff and his wife, Didi, have raised their children, Ally and Ben, and has enjoyed following their interests as they have matured into adults.
Russ was predeceased by his father and mother, infant daughter Lisa Michele, and daughter Kristen. He is survived by his wife, Lilo, of 63 years; son, Jeff (Didi); grandchildren, Ally and Ben; sister, Linda Broughton (Joe); niece Lindsay Broughton and niece Jody Gustke (Matt) and their three children.
As per Russ’ wishes, there will be no memorial service. He said, “Instead, take a walk in the woods or make a few turns on the ski hill and think of me.” Russ was very grateful to live in Vermont for nearly 50 years. If desired, a contribution could be made to the Vermont Land Trust or a charity of one’s choice in his memory.