Gary E. Kinnett, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on November 2, 2025, at the age of 91. His passing marks the end of a life dedicated to service, love, and community involvement. Born on June 24, 1934, in Los Angeles, California, Gary was the son of Donald Eugene and Florence Margaret (Taylor) Kinnett.
After graduating from University High School, Gary earned a degree from Occidental College, where he became a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Following his graduation, he joined the United States Navy, attending Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. He served three and a half years on active duty and later joined the Reserves, ultimately retiring as a Captain after a distinguished 27-year career.
A Legacy of Professional Achievement
Gary pursued a legal career by attending Boalt Hall Law School at the University of California, Berkeley, where he joined the Phi Delta Phi legal fraternity. He married Shirley Ann Campbell from Seattle, Washington, on December 21, 1959. The couple moved to Southern California after law school, where Gary briefly worked for the California State Compensation Insurance Fund. He then joined the law firm of Parker, Stanbury, McGee, Peckham, Babcock, and Combs, quickly becoming a partner.
Throughout his career, Gary was an active member of several trial lawyer associations, which allowed him to indulge his love for travel. Gary and Shirley enjoyed numerous skiing trips and combined Navy duties with family vacations, often visiting relatives in Seattle. They delighted in spending time with their children, Julie and David, and later with their grandchildren.
Active Community Member and Leader
Gary’s commitment to his community was evident in his extensive involvement with St. Peter’s by the Sea Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder, Deacon, and Stephens Minister. He held several leadership positions, including president of the Seaview Residents’ Association and Division Captain of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. Additionally, he was a member of the Cabrillo Beach Yacht Club and the Portuguese Bend Beach Club.
He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley, their two children, Julie and David (wife Jennie), and grandchildren Tanner and Tristan. Other survivors include nieces Diana Nardi and Susan Campbell, as well as Diana’s children, Sarah (husband Ryan Thomson and children, Chloe and Elijah) and Sean (wife Melissa and children, Ansel and Ryden). Gary was predeceased by his brother-in-law and good friend, Robert Campbell, just weeks before his own passing.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on December 19 at St. Peter’s by the Sea Presbyterian Church, located at 6410 Palos Verdes Drive South, Rancho Palos Verdes. The community is invited to gather and honor the life of a remarkable man who dedicated himself to family, service, and the law.
