Alan "Chico" James Kinkaid

Alan James “Chico” Kinkaid passed away surrounded by his family on April 6, 2021. He was born in Fort Belknap, MT to Jim and Ethel (Azure) Kinkaid and a proud member of the Little Shell Tribe. Chico spent his early years in Great Falls moving to a ranch outside Sun River, MT when he was six, where he would live for the remainder of his life. He graduated from Simms High School in 1969, and immediately entered the Montana Air National Guard, working primarily as a security guard for the next 12 years. In the 1980s, he ended his time with the guard to focus on attending to his parents and their ranch. Caring faithfully for them until his mother’s death in 1995, and his father's in 2001. On September 10, 2001, he married his great love, Trena, adopting her daughter, Mary Belle. The following year his son, Lucas, was born. Chico took great joy in being a husband and father. Serving his family, by working hard around the ranch, making dinner, being involved in school and extracurricular events, he made a point of showing up for those he loved, and whether on the sidelines or in the midst of all the action, he delighted in being a part of their lives. He would take a variety of odd jobs in the coming years, settling with the Sun River Irrigation District for several years, followed by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. A hard worker, he made friends with his coworkers easily, remaining friends with many of them after his eventual retirement. Chico spent his last year and a half battling cancer, but even in the midst of treatment, uncertainty and discomfort, his gentle spirit and wit shown through. He continued, to the very end, to care for and love those around him, deeply. His family will hold him in their hearts always, remembering the ways he gave so much of himself to care for them and cheer them to success. His moments of greatest joy were watching his children work hard to achieve their goals, seeing Mary Belle graduate from college and Lucas gain a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. They knew, at every step, that he was there for them, offering advice, support and encouragement. The quiet strength and gentle spirit that marked his life, can never be replaced, but those he loved are forever impacted and made better by his consistent gifts of kindness, grace, respect, laughter and love. What a joy to have shared life with someone who made life so rich, fun, and warm, we will never stop missing him. Chico is survived by his wife, Trena Kinkaid; daughter, Mary Belle Kinkaid; and son Lucas Kinkaid. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Wyoma (Kinkaid) Paige. Cremation has taken place, and a memorial service will be held a later date.