May 24, 2005 > Local soccer mentor passes at age 70

by Bryan Reeves

Longtime Fremont resident Hugh Alexander Kinnear Sr. passed away Monday, May 9, at the age of 70. Kinnear, father of San Jose Earthquakes head coach Dominick Kinnear and Ohlone men's soccer assistant coach Hugh Kinnear, brought the spirit of Scotland, his birthplace, to the soccer fields of Fremont during his 20 year coaching career.

After moving to Fremont from Glasgow in 1969, Kinnear worked for General Motors, Reynolds Aluminum and BART while coaching the Under 19 Fremont Celtic Soccer Team. Under his guidance, the team won the 1980 Maguire Cup, a national championship as well as other regional and state championships.

Kinnear could often be found at the home games of his beloved Earthquakes. He will be remembered for his great knowledge of and love for soccer. Memorial contributions can be made to Sister John Marie's Pantry, P.O. Box 3248, Fremont. 94539.