Obituary

Michael Joseph Patrick Kinslow
February 24, 1964 to December 26, 2014

Michael Kinslow came to the end of his journey with pancreatic cancer on December 26, 2014. He died peacefully at home, and was surrounded by his family, both the human and four-legged members. In life, Michael was a trial lawyer. Inspired by Robert Kennedy’s call to dedicate ourselves “to tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of this world,” Michael represented people who had been physically, emotionally and psychologically harmed by others. Since becoming admitted to the practice of law in California in 2005, his principal area of work was representing survivors of childhood sexual abuse. In addition, on a pro bono basis, Michael represented disabled dependents of active duty and retired military personnel in administrative appeals before the U.S. Department of Defense in cases involving the denial of life-sustaining medical and home nursing care benefits through the DOD’s health care system known as TRICARE. He testified as a legal expert before the Defense Subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives regarding needed reforms within the TRICARE system, and while still in law school, he assembled and coordinated a coalition of advocates that successfully reformed TRICARE’s treatment of disabled individuals, resulting in the passing of positive legislative and regulatory changes.

In addition to the practice of law, Michael was a passionate and dedicated advocate for social justice, and deeply involved in the community. He served as Vice President of the Canyon Democrats, a local Democratic Club. He was elected to the Orange County Democratic Party’s Central Committee in June 2012, and subsequently elected to represent the 73rd Assembly district on the Orange County Democratic Party Executive Committee. He was a Delegate to the California Democratic Party State Conventions in 2011 through 2014, and looked forward to continuing that service.

When Michael wasn’t changing the world, he and his “bride” were frequent attendees at Angels baseball games (although he was a die-hard Phillies fan), and Annual Passholders at Disneyland. He never missed an episode of “Friday Night Lights,” “The West Wing,” “How I Met Your Mother” or “So You Think You Can Dance,” and enjoyed reading biographies of those he admired, such as John and Bobby Kennedy, and Martin Luther King. He loved loud family gatherings, hiking, the Pocono Mountains, the beach and Yosemite. He was preceded in death by his father, Michael Joseph Kinslow, and his brother, George Andrew Kinslow. He leaves behind his Bride, Georgie Denman Kinslow, their two sons, Tyler & Tristan Denman, his beloved mother, Mary Kinslow Knight and his step-father Kenny, his mother and father in law, Joy & Tom Dunn, his aunts and uncles, Gaylord and Cathy Gillis, Jane Krittman, Mary Olimpo, Andrew Kinslow, Becky Rose and Priscilla and Paul Oebel, his God-son, Kyle Feuer, an abundance of cherished cousins, nieces and nephews, a life-long list of treasured friends whom he considered family, and his four spoiled but adored rescue dogs.

BIOGRAPHY
The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law
J.D., Law 1998 – 2002. ~ Cum Laude Graduate, National Trial Team, Moot Court, The Journal of Contemporary Health Law and Policy. Law School Alumni Society Award for academic excellence, participation in extra-curricular and co-curricular activities and dedication to the Law School, University and community.

Washington and Jefferson College
B.A., Sociology 1983 ~ 1986. Beta Theta Pi.

Valley Forge Military Academy & College
Associate of Science (A.S.) 1978 – 1983 ~ Order of Anthony Wayne Medal Recipient. The Order of Anthony Wayne award was established on January 18, 1929, when the original campus of Valley Forge Military Academy in Devon was completely destroyed by fire. The heroism of the cadets during this disaster, along with their excellent motivation and discipline, inspired General Baker to create this highly coveted award, and it remains the Forge’s most distinguished award to this day. Wayne Rotary Award for Service Above Self. Most Valuable Player – Cross Country. Cadet 4th Captain, Mounted Battalion Commander; Cadet 5th Captain, Regimental Adjutant; Cadet Second Lieutenant, Platoon Leader, Field Music; Cadet First Sergeant, Field Music; Honor Council; Team Captain, Track and Field, Cross County, Marathon Team.