Edison International
01/19/2023 | News release | Distributed by Public on 01/19/2023 23:11
SCE Family Remembers Troubleman Johnny Kinkade
Friends and colleagues remember Southern California Edison troubleman Johnny Kinkade as someone who was loved by all who had the privilege to know him. Kinkade passed away Monday while responding to a trouble call in the Barstow district. He was found unresponsive by a member of the community.
"We are devastated by the loss of our team member, and our thoughts are with his family, friends and co-workers," said Steve Powell, SCE president and chief executive officer. The company is investigating the specific circumstances that led to Kinkade's death and temporarily stopped all non-emergency work across its service area on Tuesday.
"Johnny was a hardworking, dedicated and passionate man who was always willing to go the extra mile for others."
Heather Rivard, SCE Senior Vice President
Kinkade joined SCE in 2010 as a meter reader in Victorville before becoming an apprentice lineman with the North Coast Heavy Crew in 2011 and a journeyman lineman in 2014. He was promoted to troubleman in February of last year.
"Johnny was a hardworking, dedicated and passionate man who was always willing to go the extra mile for others," said Heather Rivard, SCE senior vice president of Transmission and Distribution. "He is and will be deeply missed."
Kinkade leaves behind his longtime girlfriend Eileen, and her young son, Noah. Friends have created a GoFundMe page to assist with funeral costs and other expenses.
Edison executives dedicated their company-wide livestream meeting on Jan. 19 to Kinkade and worker safety.
"We are joined here together with some really heavy hearts over tragically losing our co-worker Johnny Kinkade," said Edison International President and CEO Pedro J. Pizarro during the meeting. "When something like this happens, I want to make sure that we're learning from it so that we never have to have this kind of remembrance again."
"The overwhelming response of love and support from our SCE team to Johnny's friends and family, and to each other, brings me light in this dark time," said Jill Anderson, SCE executive vice president Operations.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Johnny's family during this very difficult time," said Colin Lavin, business manager, on IBEW Local 47's website, of which Kinkade was a union member. "We will share information regarding services when we receive them."
Contributions can be made in Kinkade's memory atGoFundMe. Tributes and memories can be shared in the comments section below.