Tipton ‘Tip’ Kindel, retired comms assistant director

Tipton “Tip” Craig Kindel, retired assistant director of communications, passed away Feb. 28, 2025. He was 81.

Kindel built a distinguished career in journalism and communications, working for many years as a reporter and producer for KCRA Channel 3.

He left TV news to become assistant director of communications for the California Department of Corrections. Kindel served in this role throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.

“His dedication to his profession left a lasting impact on those he worked with and the communities he served,” according to his family. “Beyond his career, Tip was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. His warmth and kindness touched many lives, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”

A celebration of life is planned for 1 p.m., April 19, at 3262 Marysville Blvd., Sacramento. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Shriners Hospital for Children Northern California or the Sacramento Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Read more tributes to staff and retirees who have passed away.

Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.