Former Barnwell CEO Morton H. Kinzler co-founded company

Barnwell Industries Inc. co-founder Morton H. Kinzler, chairman emeritus and former longtime CEO of the company, died Sunday at his residence in Palm Beach, Fla., after a short illness.

Kinzler, 93, was a director of the Honolulu-based company for its entire 62-year history and served as CEO for 45 years, from 1971 until 2016, before being replaced by his son, Alex, who had been president. The elder Kinzler also served as chairman from 1980 until Sept. 30, and became chairman emeritus on Oct. 1. He founded Barnwell, along with members of the R.S. Barnwell family, in Shreveport, La., in 1956.

Barnwell, which is publicly traded on the American Stock Exchange, has oil and natural gas operations in Alberta, Canada, real estate holdings on Hawaii island and statewide water-drilling operations.

“He devoted his life to the company, where he led by example and inspired hard work and loyalty in those around him,” Alex Kinzler said Tuesday in announcing his father’s death. “He was very well read and had a quote for every occasion, with an affinity for Samuel Johnson. He will be remembered by those who knew him as a man of principle, shrewd business acumen, good humor and friendship.

“His devoted wife of 16 years, Ruth Grabow Kinzler … provided him with tremendous care and companionship in his final years.”

Besides his wife Ruth and son Alex, Kinzler is survived by a daughter, Cynthia of British Columbia, Canada; his first wife Sandra; and five grandchildren. Memorial services will be held today at Beth El Cemetery in Paramus, N.J.