WJ Editorial: ‘Retirement’ On The Rivers

We recently featured an interview with Ed Weilbacher, who became executive director of the Kaskaskia River Port District after retiring from a previous job—and stayed on the job for 11 years. Our last issue included a story on Dan Price, port captain for Turn Services, who joined the company last year after a brief two-year retirement.

This issue features a story about an award earned by river legend Bill Kinzeler, whose career began at age 10. Kinzeler’s knowledge of river logistics and every facet of the inland waterways business took him all over the world as well as up and down U.S. rivers and waterways. Kinzeler’s river career spans 67 years, and although he has stepped back from some roles, he is still active on the board of the Central Ohio River Business Association (CORBA) and in waterways consulting.

Regarding receiving his award from CORBA, Kinzeler said, “I don’t do this for the accolades. I do it because I love it.”

That’s a familiar sentiment that is echoed by the many inland waterway leaders, veterans and supporters who continue giving and contributing well past their “retirements.” It speaks to the rewards of this industry and this life, not least including the camaraderie and fellowship.

Should The Waterways Journal do a special issue focused entirely on individuals who have made major contributions to our industry AFTER their “retirement”? We would certainly have no trouble filling up the issue!