"It is with the heaviest of hearts that I post this.

Craig Kinnaman "Flat Stupid" or "CK" as we called him, passed away this morning in Big Sky Montana. Craig was the best friend and racer you would ever come across. I met CK in the fall of 04 at the World Finals in Phoenix. He came to one race and jumped in head first into the race game. He was always upbeat and bouncing around at the races because he just loved to be there hanging with friends and other racers. If anyone had the chance to see the pit parties this guy threw you understand what he was about. 2 Gas powered Blenders running at the same time while going through 5 gallons of Tequila. The more people the merrier. Craig was never shy about going after our competition with the friendly trash talking. If we had to thrash to make a heat or a round you could always count on him to be right in the thick of it. His rule in racing was that we never have to borrow anything. Most of time that happened. He was the most giving person I have ever met. He would fly people from across the country to attend races on his dime because he liked them.

We started off just racing K boats but Craig "got tired of seeing me run to another pit" to race a dragboat so he incorporated the two. That was Craig. He always tried to put different people in his boats to help build the sport. That was his ultimate goal to build the Kboat class. We could be doing nothing in the pit and he would want to go roust somebody and give them a hard time. There were times in the offseason that Craig would call and talk for hours about "what we are gonna do next year." You could always tell when it was getting close to race time because the frequency of these calls would increase ten fold. No matter what the situation, CK always stood behind me. I can't even begin to express how I feel. My heart goes out to Nancy, Hunter Jennifer, Katie, Fred and all of his family.

Take care CK,

Your friend,

Tony"

 

Our condolences go out to the MO/Blome Team and to Craig's immediate family and extended family and friends.

I talked with Tony a few minutes ago and here is the info he had.

Funeral will be Tuesday at 11 am in Big Sky Montana with the burial in Bozeman Montana. I will follow up with an address as soon as I get the information.

In lieu of flowers a Education Fund will be established for Craig's 3 year daughter Hunter Kinnaman. Contributions can be mailed to PO Box 16044, Big Sky Montana 59716

I have never met a more genuinely kind man.  I was blessed to know Craig and to have the great fortune of enjoying his company at many "pit parties" and trips to the local restaurants and adult beverage establishments across the country.  What a great and funny dude to be around.  The last time I talked to him, we were planning a snowmobile trip to Big Sky for some time this winter.  As usual, he was harassing me because of the brand of sled I ride....all in good fun, of course.  Craig, I love ya man, and am really going to miss you

Hos 

Our prayers and thoughts go to his family and friends.

God Speed

Kurt & Marlane