Douglas McBryde Kinney, 92, known to many as “Growlie”, died peacefully at home in Lake Forest, Illinois on June 16th, 2023. Born May 10, 1931 to Ansel and Elinor (Woodward) Kinney, Doug graduated from Groton School ’48, Harvard College ’52, and served in the Korean War as a lieutenant in the US Navy. He then graduated from Harvard Business School ’56 where he was a Baker Scholar. He returned to Chicago to work for the family company, Intermatic, which he led for 53 years. Under his leadership, Intermatic prospered despite many market challenges. The company has now been owned by the family for 132 years.
In 1974, Doug founded Palmer Capital Corporation, a company focused on renewable energy. Palmer started the first landfill gas-to-electric project in the country, and has since completed over $2.65 billion in energy financing. He also served on the board of Trek Bicycle since its founding in 1976.
After his 70th birthday, Doug put his efforts into backing promising research into causes and possible cures for progressive neurodegenerative brain diseases. With two like-minded friends, Doug laid the groundwork for the Brain Chemistry Labs, a not – for – profit research institute in Jackson, WY. Scientists at the Lab have since discovered new treatments for ALS and Alzheimer’s disease that are in clinical trials, and a new drug to treat Parkinson’s disease that is in preclinical development.
Much of the Lab’s research was rooted in the effects of exposure to Cyanobacteria found in water supplies, and the subsequent impact on neurodegenerative diseases. With this knowledge, Doug led efforts to prevent Cyanobacterial contamination of water supplies in New England and Florida. Following Florida’s devastating outbreak of Red Tide and Blue Green Algae in 1991, he created the Clean Okeechobee Waters Foundation. The organization is dedicated to increasing awareness of the health risks of exposure to harmful algae blooms, and calling for rigorous enforcement of environmental regulations by those responsible for protecting public health.
Doug also devoted time to the National Tropical Botanical Garden located in Hawaii and Florida, acting as Chairman for 13 years. The Hawaiian garden is situated on land once owned by his family, the McBrydes. He was instrumental through his generosity and leadership in establishing endowments for scientific research, as well as the dedication of the McBryde Garden. He worked to establish the Garden’s Breadfruit Institute, created to advance the impact of breadfruit and its use to nourish the tropical world.
He is survived by his wife Elizabeth (Hummel) Kinney, children Ansel D. Kinney, Douglas M. Kinney, Jr. (Kimberly), Elisabeth S.K. Robinson, Martha K. Perry, and Hilary S. Kinney, stepchildren Elizabeth E. Smyth and John E. Smyth (Jenifer) and sisters Barbara K. Sweet (late Cyrus B, III) and Joan K. Seppala (Lynn).
He was especially proud of his grandchildren Samuel C. Kinney, Elizabeth S. Kinney, Douglas M. Kinney III (Allison), Alexandra K. McBride (Jack), Marta R. Day (Scott), Eli J. Robinson, Duncan M. Robinson, Alexander M. Perry, Lucas M. Perry, Lyda E. Hanson, Spencer S. Hanson, Wyatt M. Hanson, Lily E. Smyth, Alexander W. Smyth, and great-granddaughters Gemma S. Day and Georgia A. McBride.
A celebration of his life was held at 4:00 pm on September 7th at the Onwentsia Club in Lake Forest, IL. Donations in his name may be made to the National Tropical Botanical Garden – Kalaheo, Kauai, HI, or the Brain Chemistry Labs – Jackson, WY.
Original Post – https://www.wenbanfh.com/obituaries/Douglas-Kinney?obId=28309936
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