Obituaries

Melvyn Kinder, a Los Angeles native, passed away at the age of 82 on Tuesday, May 25, 2021. Mel was the youngest of three children born in LA to Jewish Polish immigrants. Despite a lack of interest in academics while at Hamilton High School, Mel went on to graduate with honors from UCLA with a degree in Psychology and thereafter with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. He quickly built a successful Beverly Hills private practice, and was highly sought after for his insight and wisdom. The pinnacle of his career was in co-writing a series of New York Times best-selling self-help books, the most famous of which was “Smart Women, Foolish Choices”, punctuated by multiple appearances on Oprah, Donahue, Merv Griffin, and news shows including 60 minutes. Mel continued to write self-help books on his own while he explored other creative pursuits including TV pilots, screenplays, and fiction writing.
Mel is survived by his wife Sara Kinder of 51 years, by their two children Alexandra Shimer and Eric Kinder, and by their four grandchildren Jack Shimer and Samantha, Benjamin, and Ryan Kinder. In retirement, Mel and Sara enjoyed traveling the world, participating in book clubs, watching movies (both members of the WGA), supporting Jewish and Israeli causes, and doting on their grandchildren.
Please join us for services and burial at Hillside Memorial, Sunday May 30, 2021. Gathering will be begin at 1:15 PM with service to commence at 2 PM.