Rick Kinsman

Richard “Rick” Emmett Kinsman
On Thursday, February 20, 2014 at the age of 70, at the Humber River Regional Hospital. Toronto. Beloved partner of Leslie Squigna. oldest son of Robert (deceased) and Elsa Kinsman, older brother of Tom, Andrea and Paul (deceased). Proud uncle of Alison, Nico, Jesse and Lindsay. Born in Welland, Ontario and moved to Peterborough at age four.
An agile athlete, he was an amateur star of the 1960s and pro entertainer of the 70s in gymnastics and trampoline.
Initially a student of Kenner Collegiate, then PCVS. and always the YMCA, Rick won numerous gymnastics and diving competitions before joining the RCAF in 1962. He had already proven his incredible athletic capabilities…..and abilities as a showman.
From 1963 to 68 he earned numerous awards and honours, including: 1964 Canadian trampoline champ, a title he retained six years; 1965 eighth in World Trampoline Championships and world champion in synchronized trampoline; 1966 competed in World Gymnastics Finals; in 1967 was 5th in Pan Am Games and travelled with the Canadian Team to the Mexico Olympics in ’68.
As a professional he formed his own troupe which played everywhere. He was selected to play for the Queen during her 1973 tour. In the mid 70s he toured with the Harlem Globetrotters. An accident (broken neck) during practice ended his athletic career.
He was inducted into the Peterborough Sports Hall of Fame in 1983.
Rick never slowed down. After his accident he took on major leadership roles with Nucleus Housing in Toronto - an organization aimed at improving living standards and conditions for people in wheelchairs. Despite his set backs, Rick wielded a sense of humour that could knock you off your feet. And Rick never forgot about family and friends that loved him and are so sorry to see him go.