Milton "H" King Jr's Obituary
Milton “H” King lived a life worth living. Not for any collection of riches but for his collection of experiences. Born on the eve of the Great Depression in Dallas, Texas, he came from modest means. He graduated from Dallas High School in 1940 and entered the United States Navy in 1941 as our Country entered World War II. Having attended the Civil Aeronautics War Training School, University of Houston, U.S. Navy University in Texas, and graduating from the United States Naval Air Academy he became an Ensign in the US Navy as a Carrier Aircraft pilot. His most significant assignment was on September 2, 1945, the day Japan signed the Japanese Instrument of Surrender with the United States on the deck of the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. In a TBF Avenger overhead, Milt was flying in formation in the direction of Tokyo prepared to bomb.
Once he left the Navy in 1946 he entered the business world with Green Winkler Company in the State of Washington. In 1954 he returned to Hawaii, the place he fell in love with during the war, going to work for Hawaii Hotel & Restaurant Supply and ascending to the role of General Manager and President. In 1965 he bought the company, continuing to operate the business as President and overseeing the outfitting of many hotels in Waikiki during the expansion of the 1950’s and 60’s. He eventually sold the company to the Crown Corporation from Australia and was asked to continue running Hawaii Hotel & Restaurant Supply but adding to his portfolio of responsibility as President & CEO of Honolulu Roofing and R.M.T. Corporation until 1983. As the consummate entrepreneur and long-time member in the Young President’s Organization (YPO), Milt had two other businesses during this same time period. In 1976 he bought the iconic Rattan Art Gallery in Kaimuki, helping to furnish many of the luxury homes being built on the south end of Oahu in Kahala, Waialae Iki Ridge, and Portlock. In addition, Milt bought an old chicken farm of 27 acres on Maui and turned it in to a working nursey called Haiku Farms Nursery & Landscape. Haiku Farms was instrumental in the landscaping of the hotel boom on the west end of Maui from Wailea to Ka’anapali during the 1970’s and 80’s.
Despite his demanding schedule of running multiple businesses for over three decades and raising a family, Milton made time for civic involvement. This aspect of his life was something most never knew because Milt wasn’t someone who shared his accomplishments. He was a long-time member of Rotary International and a Mason. After earning his credentials as a third-degree Mason he moved on to Shriners, famous for their support of the Shriner’s Hospital for Children. He was then invited to ascend to the Royal Order of Jesters, the next level of Masonry. Throughout his later years he enjoyed his time spent at Oahu Country Club golfing and spreading his infectious personality among the members and staff, earning him the affectionate nickname of Uncle Milty.
Uncle Milty leaves behind his second wife of 42 years, six children, eight grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren, all of whom were his greatest accomplishment and legacy.
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