Drew KINDER Obituary

KINDER - Drew
December 7, 2020. Dear husband of Mary Therese Kinder, adored father of Katie Potenza (Chris Potenza), Molly Kinder (Jayme Johnson), and Colleen Kinder (Owen Murray); beloved grandfather to Mary Cate, Will, and Drew Potenza; Harry and Bridget Johnson; and Maeve Kinder-Murray. Drew is survived by his brother and sister, Stuart Kinder and Gini Kinder. The son of Harry and Gloria Kinder, Drew was born on May 30, 1947 and raised in Willows, California. Drew attended college at University of Colorado Boulder, and earned his MBA at San Francisco State. Drew was a US Navy pilot and met his wife Mary Therese while stationed in Alameda, California. They were married forty three years. An entrepreneur and leader in the American seed industry, Drew founded Kinder Seed, Inc. in Buffalo in 1988, and served as president of the American Seed Trade Association from 2001-2002. After selling Kinder Seed, he started an internet-based company, Seedsuperstore.com, and also devoted himself to volunteer work for the global nonprofit BRAC, which sent him to Uganda, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. Passionate about history and the city of Buffalo, Drew gave tours of the Darwin Martin House, Silo City, and the Buffalo Naval and Military Park. Golf was another life passion and Drew played often at Crag Burn Golf Club. After a five-month struggle with brain cancer, Drew died on December 7th, 2020. He was surrounded by his wife, daughters, grandchildren, and sons-in-law during his final days. He will be fiercely missed. Drew is interred at Gethsemane Cemetery. In light of COVID-19 restrictions, a Memorial Service is being planned for the future. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations to St. Luke's Mission of Mercy or Hospice Buffalo, Inc., in Drew's name are most appreciated.

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Published by Buffalo News on Dec. 20, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Drew KINDER

9 Entries

Stan Chambers

August 15, 2022

My deepest condolences to his wife and the entire Kinder family on the loss of Drew. I knew Drew while we were both stationed at Naval Station Kodiak., AK in 1971 when he was LTjg. We flew together on many occasions across the state of Alaska in the C-54& HU-16 Albatross sea plane. He was a great pilot and we did some flying in the station flight club's T-34. I was wondering why he hadn't responded to any of my texts and now I know. Drew served his country and the Navy with honor and distinction. Fair Winds and Following Seas shipmate. If any of the family would like to reach out to me to hear some good stories of his time in Kodiak they can contact me at [email protected] or mobile # 678-463-2705. Again, so sorry for his loss.

Arabella Ark aka Gail Killebrew

January 19, 2022

I knew Drew as the kid brother of Stuart Kinder, who was my classmate and friend at Glenn County High School. I remember the day the family's house burned down. We drove to the Sears store in my mother's 1931 Model A Ford to buy the kids new clothes. I remember Drew as a good kid. I am sorry for your loss.

Bryce Penney

March 27, 2021

My heartfelt condolences to your family. I was shocked and saddened to learn of his passing. Drew and I were in NROTC together at CU, but became best friends in Flight School. He taught me golf. We saw each other a few times after the Navy but our lives took us our separate ways. He stopped by to see Elaine and I in Colorado Springs when he came to visit his Sister. We got to play a round of golf together. Drew was a thoughtful and caring person. I will always remember him with a smile. We had a lot of great times together.

Kenneth J Kelly

February 10, 2021

Drew was my room mate freshman year at CU and later a fraternity brother. Shocked and saddened to read of his passing. We shared a lot of good times. I remember standing in the middle of the street in Aspen when he told me LBJ was not going to run again in '68. Those were the days when you could ski Aspen with next to no money, which is what we had. He'll be missed.

Sal Zambito

December 26, 2020

My parents, Sam and Rita, and I are so sorry to hear about Drew. We've enjoyed talking over the years in the neighborhood. May he rest in peace and his memory live on forever.

Jim Billings

December 24, 2020

Drew was a wonderful colleague and friend. I was so happy that I was able to have a chance to speak with him prior to his passing. We agreed to meet in Heaven for one more game of golf. I am sure he will win as always. MT and family all the best. Drew was so fond and proud of all of you.

Tim Welbanks

December 24, 2020

I was actually thinking about Drew the other day. Many good memories playing golf and co chairing seed trade golf tournaments with Drew. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

Alyssa (Neubecker) Marton

December 22, 2020

Dear Kinder Family,
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. May you feel held by your family, friends, and community during this difficult time. May Drew's memory be a blessing.
Best,
Alyssa

Marie & Paul Olczak

December 20, 2020

Mary Therese and family, our deepest condolences to you all. Many fond memories of Drew and you all. You are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.

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