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Russell Kimble Obituary
A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 11 a.m. tomorrow (Saturday), at the First Congregational Church, 58 N. Main St., Canandaigua. Interment will be in East Newark Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ontario Co. Humane Society, 2976 Co. Rd. 48, Canandaigua, NY 14424, Thompson Health Guild, 350 Parrish St., Canandaigua, NY 14424 or Kiwanis Club of Canandaigua Foundation, P.O. Box 863, Canandaigua, NY 14424.
Russ was born in Kingston, N.Y. and was the son of Westley and Marion (Bliss) Kimble. He was a graduate of Canandaigua Academy, class of 1969. Russ spent six decades in radio and cable TV. When his father passed away in 1968, Russ and George took over operation of his radio station, WCGR-Canandaigua, that he started in 1961. The studio and station offices were moved to its own building on the outskirts of Canandaigua in 1972. A year later, FM station WFLC went on the air. In 1975, he co-founded Canandaigua Cablevision, hosting daily local news casts and interviews with news makers. Russ was co-founder of Finger Lakes Racquetball Club in 1978, adjacent to the radio station. In 1988, he purchased AM radio station WYLF in Penn Yan and spent 24 years there operating it as morning program host and salesman. In 1993, he purchased FM radio station WFLK in Geneva, which he operated for over 20 years. Russ was also co-owner of radio stations in Syracuse (95X), Ithaca (WQNY) and Dansville (WDNY).
He was a 45-year member of the Canandaigua Kiwanis Club, was President from 1986-1987 and was co-founder of the Kiwanis Radio Auction that has raised thousands of dollars for charity. Russ was a member of the Thompson Health Guild and Canandaigua, Geneva and Penn Yan Chambers of Commerce. He was on the board of directors of the Salvation Army, American Heart Association and Community Bank. Russ served as a councilman for the City of Canandaigua in 1977. He was selected New Kiwanian of the Year in 1973 and Kiwanian of the Year in 1985 and 1987. The Canandaigua Masonic Lodge honored him with the Dewitt Clinton Service Award in 1992. Russ will be remembered as a devoted family man.
He is survived by his daughter, Kim Kimble-Sandic; granddaughter, Elana Sandic; grand-dog, Gunnar; four siblings, fraternal twin, George (Pat) Kimble, Bill Kimble, MaryAnn (Steve) Hurlburt and Kathy Ingersoll; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his loving wife of 35 years, Deborah (Pelis) Kimble in 2012.
Arrangements are by Johnson-Kennedy Funeral Home, Inc., Canandaigua. Condolences may be offered at www.johnsonkennedy.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Russell Kimble
alan sprague
March 29, 2019
Oh the memory of this man is one I carry in my heart along with his brother George for they brought a lot of sunshine to the children and people in daily life. He will be greatly missed so with my condolences to all the Family and extended Family.
Patty Carlton
March 24, 2019
So sorry to hear of Rus' passing..remember the good times .. I know it leaves a emptiness in your heart
Janet Hayton
March 20, 2019
I waited on Russ at Longs' n Penn Yan for many years. I always enjoyed "bantering " with him. We also compared Kiwanis Club functions. May he RIP.
Barb Dubler Carson
March 18, 2019
My condolences to the Kimble family at this difficult time.
Meg Dietz Caruso
March 18, 2019
Warm thoughts of your family at this time. WCGR Studio began on the second floor of my Grandfather and Dad's Main St Building so I was very aware of the hard work and amount of time the Kimble Family put into their business. WCGR and Russ's broadcasts were always on my Mother's radio. She thought of him as her connection to all things local. May your Family be blessed with strength in the days to come.
March 17, 2019
Russ was the "the voice of the Finger Lakes"
Listened to him every morning for years. My Mother said he had a "smiley voice" which was true. Missed him when he retired. So sorry to hear of his passing.
Don and Nancy Zamperetti
Mickey Barnes
March 16, 2019
So sorry to hear about Russ. I was a classmate of his and graduated in 1969. A great loss to all. May God Bless and watch over you all.
Charlene Leigh
March 16, 2019
Russ was a blessing to all to met him. May God bless you all and keep you in His loving care.
Brian T. Harris
March 16, 2019
Kim,
I am so sorry to hear about Russ. But I do take comfort in knowing he and Debbie are together....and Mom and Dad Harris are welcoming him as well.
Tim & Roae Russell
March 16, 2019
Shocked and Greiving
Danny Ninestine
March 15, 2019
My dad who passed away on March 7 could not have had a better friend. He would bring him lottery Tix when he traveled. Always showed up with a burger for my dad when he delivered the tix. They are reunited in Heaven sharing stories as they ALWAYS did. God bless his family as God has blessed my dad with their friendship over many years.
Deborah Langdon
March 15, 2019
A great man, a real loss to the Canandaigua and Victor communities. Thoughts and prayers to the Kimble family.
Al Pezzimenti
March 15, 2019
Dear Kim and Elana I am so sorry to hear of the loss
of your father and grandfather.
I have also lost a very special friend and Patron of
Al's Barber Shop. He lit up the shop with his great
smile and sense of humor. He will be greatly missed.
Sincerely Al Pezzimenti
Danny Ninestine
March 15, 2019
My dad who passed away on March 7 could not have had a better friend. He would bring him lottery Tix when he traveled. Always showed up with a burger for my dad when he delivered the tix. They are reunited in Heaven sharing stories as they ALWAYS did. God bless his family as God has blessed my dad with their friendship over many years.
Jay Otteman
March 15, 2019
I t is always too soon and too young when a classmate passes. May God welcome you with open arms! You will be missed by many.
Jay
Kimberli Lamb
March 15, 2019
I have never met Russ, but have heard wonderful and fun stories of him from his Sister Mary Ann who I work with.
Sending healing vibes out to the Kimble family.
Millie & Alan vakiener
March 15, 2019
Millie and I will ALWAYS remember the great times we had with Debbie & Russ. They both were truly great people, but most of all friends. THANKS for the great memories we have on them.
Sandra Verbridge
March 15, 2019
I remember Russ from High school, so sorry to see this. So hard to loose a loved one, and I am very sorry for your loss. He was much to young. My love to his family. My you find comfort is your memories of this great man.
Mike Dwyer
March 15, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with the Kimble family. I got to know Russ while advertising for many years on his radio stations, and I enjoyed seeing and visiting with him at the spaghetti dinner every election night.
Pam Martin
March 14, 2019
So very sorry for your loss. I remember Russ as a gentle giant.
I also remember seeing him out shopping on a Black Friday soon after his knee replacement. That memory of him helped me when I had my knee replaced! I'm sure he will be missed by many.
My prayers for comfort are with the Kimble family.
DAVE & JUDY MONAHAN
March 14, 2019
We lived across from Russ many years ago and really enjoyed his humor. Just a lot of fun to be around.
To Russ' family, we send our sincerest condolences.
Al Nichols
March 14, 2019
My sincere condolences to The Kimble Family. May GOD Bless you Russthroughout eternity.
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