Updated 1:30 p.m. Few people knew Albuquerque better than Harry Kinney. And, for those who have spent more than a handful of years here, there are few who were known better. Harry Kinney, who died Tuesday, started driving taxicabs after his second stint as mayor in the early 1980s. (Tribune file)

The former mayor, who died Tuesday morning at 81 of natural causes in Albuquerque, was known for making the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta a city fixture, for securing open spaces and bike trails, and - years later - for substitute teaching and escorting residents around town in a taxicab.

"He was the real yeoman mayor," former Mayor Jim Baca said of Kinney's two terms in the 1970s and early 1980s.

"He was honest and ethical. He tried to do what was right for Albuquerque, and we wouldn't have the balloon fiesta if he didn't intervene and put money into saving it, which has paid off so well," Baca said.

"He wasn't flamboyant - he wanted to get the work done."

Baca, who worked for Kinney as public information officer, remembers Kinney's efforts to make sure the fiesta would stay viable.

He also remembers one idea that didn't go over with the public quite as well.

"The infamous `Drunk Park,' " Baca said with a laugh. "His idea, he would send the inebriated people where they could be safe. But the media called it a `Drunk Park.' But it was actually not a bad idea, not a bad idea at all."

Kinney was born June 7, 1924, and grew up in Raton. He graduated from the University of New Mexico in 1945 with a degree in mechanical engineering.

He eventually worked for Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque for 17 years, leaving in early 1973 to work for someone who had become a family friend, political ally and new U.S. senator, Pete Domenici.

Around the same time, Republican Kinney was on the Bernalillo County Commission, where he served three terms until 1973.

His work as Domenici's administrative aide didn't last long. He ran for mayor - and won - that same year of 1973.

His bid for re-election to the nonpartisan post in 1977 failed.

But it appeared Albuquerque wanted him back. Kinney served as mayor a second time from 1981-85.

Albuquerque Mayor Harry Kinney handed over a cold beer to Ish Osborne at the Shot O' Gold Bar in 1983, Kinney was taking part in the Ugly Bartender Contest to raise money for muscular dystrophy. Kinney sold kisses for $1 and the T-shirt off his back for the fund-raiser. (Tribune file)

After that, he found himself behind the wheel of a taxicab for almost five years - because, he said, he was fidgety staying at home and he loved being around the city and its people. In the mid-1990s, he was a substitute teacher.

Mayor Martin Chavez, a Democrat, and Domenici, an Albuquerque Republican, say Kinney taught them, and they credited him with helping propel their careers.

"Albuquerque has lost one of its great citizens," Chavez said in a statement.

Chavez has often called Kinney his mentor.

"I am proud that Harry Kinney was a good personal friend who taught me much about the job of mayor," Chavez said. "We are deeply saddened by his passing."

Domenici and Kinney had been family friends since the former was in high school. Kinney's mother-in-law owned a hardware store where Domenici's mother, an accomplished gardener, sold flowers, the senator's office said.

The two became political allies in the 1960s, looking to change the landscape of Albuquerque as city commissioners.

"To have met him and had him as part of my first race for public office was one of the most important occasions of my life," Domenici said in a statement.

"I was privileged to be elected and serve with him on the Albuquerque City Council and to find out what a true public servant he was.

"Harry knew more about city and county government than any other person around, and all that he shared openly with me to make me feel better, learn quicker and serve better.

"All the years thereafter, I have never known a more honest, forthright and reputable and involved public person."

A memorial service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday at Hoffmantown Church, 8888 Harper Road N.E. A viewing will take place 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday at French Mortuary, 9300 Golf Course Road N.W. Both are open to the public.