The Man Who Gifted So Many People and Animals with Kindness and Care
One of the most difficult tasks of my life has recently happened. I am dealing with the passing of my dear and sweet husband and partner, Craig Kinshella, DVM. He passed away on Monday, November 25 after an anguishing battle with prostate cancer.
One does not often get to experience the various levels of fighting for one’s life, as we have. Craig suffered a stroke in late October 2022 which caused him to lose some of his mobility. He worked aggressively with the aid of Accent Care staff (nurses, physical therapists and occupational therapists) to regain his strength and mobility. It took him several months to get to the point where he could return to his important role as medical director at VCA Animal Hospital on Washington Street in Hillcrest. Craig had worked for VCA for upwards of 23 years. Prior to that he had his own practice in Point Loma.
What I learned about Craig from the first day that I met him, over 22 years ago at VCA, is that he truly loved caring for animals and that he valued the relationships he had with the many clients (animal and human) who entered his life. There were thousands of animals who benefited from his care.
He used to love sharing stories about the animals he dealt with daily, including my rambunctious cats, who cherished Craig as their dad and veterinarian.
One of Craig’s characteristics, which I experienced and valued, and so did his clients, is the amazing calmness he brought to almost every unbearable situation. He was extremely dedicated to serving his clients and would do everything possible to find ways to resolve even the most challenging of medical cases. I used to tell him that he was a genius. His skills and talent as a veterinarian were incredible. I was awed by his attention to detail and his ability to fix some of the most complex medical situations.
From experience, I also saw that he put his clients before his personal needs. While on medical leave, he worried constantly about his clients. Were they getting the care and attention he was used to providing?
With his focus on getting well and stronger, Craig returned to work in February 2023 part time at first then full time.
Then he had his first surgery in March 2023 to reduce an enlarged prostate. Unfortunately, it wasn’t successful. Then in July 2023, while being evaluated by another surgeon for a second effort, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer.
As you can expect, we were both stunned. Immediately, I began searching for oncologists to help us deal with this terrifying news and to learn “what’s next” for Craig’s future.
With the help of a good friend, I was guided through a very scary and difficult process. We were able to meet with an oncologist at John Moore’s Cancer Center who gave us the news about what to expect.
Craig’s diagnosis wasn’t good. His cancer could be treated but not cured. In terms of how long he had to live, maybe upwards of seven years.
Immediately, Craig and I sought ways to extend his life and give him hope.
Yet, despite what he had to deal with, physically and emotionally, he went back to work to help his clients and concentrate on the tasks at hand. That was Craig.
As for me, there is no one in the world who I would have wanted to spend my life with. For 22 years we both shared some incredible experiences, personally and professionally. Our first big challenge was blending two feline families. I had two strong-willed male cats and so did Craig. It took more than a considerable amount of time to get them to accept each other. Thankfully, they eventually did.
And because of his career, we also had animals willed to us, including a very energetic and entertaining yorkie named Sara. When she passed away many years later, we adopted another dog, Lexi, also a yorkie.
I always felt extremely thankful that Craig was in our lives. All of them relied on him for their health care, which he did with the utmost kindness and attention.
There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t realize how blessed I have been to have Dr. Craig Kinshella in my life. Besides being dedicated to his profession, he was strongly committed to serving the community. For upwards of 14 years, Craig helped me to produce and coordinate the summer Mission Hills Concerts in the Park. He and I would coordinate talent, staging, sponsorships and all the logistical needs for the weekly concerts. And we would be on site to greet guests and offer raffle items to help fund the concerts. Craig also made sure Pioneer/Mission Hills Park was free of trash and debris left by concert attendees. He loved the music, visiting with residents and being a part of the community.
As I look back at the last two-plus years, I am reminded that Craig had three long stays in the hospital, numerous visits to ER and appointments with more medical specialists than one can imagine. Yet, despite the intensity and seriousness of his medical situation, he never faltered from having hope that he would regain his health and continue to do what he loved, serving the healthcare needs of his many cat and dog clients.
There is a huge hole in my heart, and I feel a deep loss knowing that Dr. Craig Kinshella has passed away. He touched many people throughout his long career as a veterinarian. He was a compassionate, passionate, skilled and talented veterinarian who will be missed by all whose lives he touched.
Craig’s parents, Ortie and Warren Kinshella, have lived in the Clairemont area for most of their entire adult lives. Ortie recently turned 93 years of age. He has two sons; Matt is married to Caitlin. They have three children and reside in Milwaukee, Oregon. Craig’s oldest son is Michael. He is married to Poli. They have one son and reside in Los Angeles.
A mass and celebration of his life will take place at 10 a.m., Saturday, December 14 at Immaculate Conception Church, located at 2540 San Diego Avenue in Old Town. If you would like more information, please email ppsentinel@aol.com.
Category: Animals, Events, family, feature, Life Style, Local News
