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Phyllis Theroux
April 6, 2007
Here's a memory of Bob that nobody else could have. We were all in Italy (they were visiting me where I was teaching in an old Tuscan villa that had more stairs and rooms than a castle. Bob was always getting lost between his room and the dining room, the dining room and everywhere else. One evening, in exasperation, he asked me how the H-- was he supposed to find his way around this place. I said "castles are tough." He deadpanned "I'm not a castle kind of guy."
One more memory, of giving him a biography of Lindbergh for his birthday which unexpectedly made him cry. It turned out he was born in or near Lindbergh's home town and loved him as only a fellow pilot would. All through the dinner, he kept taking the book out of the wrapper and looking at it, which made him cry again.
Bob was, among other things, the most steadfast, loving husband and father you could want. He was always reaching into his pocket to give his children cab fare, worrying about where they were and how they were doing. Moira was a wonderful partner. Both of them were blessed to have each other, as was I blessed to have them as friends.
Helen Hughes
April 4, 2007
So many memories of Bob that make me smile. Our best conversations were on the phone when I’d call to speak with Moi. Bob would chat away about his most recent business trip, a 3-4 course dinner he was preparing, a planned trip with the family and/or something wonderful about Moi or one of the kids. He always asked about me.
I loved that Bob had a hammock for Moi on a camping trip, Em had state of the art camping gear at 5yrs old, and he took the time to write such thoughtful and often humorous letters to family and friends.
Bob,you will always have a place in my heart.
HelenH
Kate Pacoe
April 4, 2007
To Uncle Bob Kimball. Farewell to the boy who loved to fish for trout in Leech Lake near Brainerd Minnesota--where he spent his childhood and fell in love with the outdoors. We had such fun sharing our memories of Leech Lake where I went to camp also.
with love,
Auntie Kate
April Hughes
April 4, 2007
Gosh Uncle Bob, you were a little sweetheart. I'll always hold you close to my heart and have only fond memories of you. That is the kind of guy you were. You tolerated (BARELY) me and Emily as little kids, man we were bad to the bone!! I can say I was quite scared of you as a young kid. Note to self...never pick on Uncle Bob's youngest child (Emily) and make her cry. Oops.
As I grew up though, you and I became very close. You weren't just my best friend's father anymore, or just Uncle Bob....you became more complex than that. Maybe it was your colorful unique style that I came to admire, or perhaps it was your devotion to your wife Moira and your children that I looked up to. Most of all, I think it was earning your sincere respect as a young adult that brought us closer. You took a real interest in my life and we kind of became fast friends after that. Dude you rock. You are always a rock star in my eyes. I can't get the color orange or the image of ray bans out of my head when I reflect back on you.
At parties, I remember you asking me about the dating scene and I was shocked at how much you actually knew went on so many more generations later!! You never held back your questions, or values, or comments, and that is what I loved about you the most. It might of ticked off Auntie Moi or embarrassed your kids from time to time, but as an outsider, I got a kick out it : )
You rule. I miss you and wish I could have at least given you a hug and kiss goodbye and see you flash that proud smile and give me those puppy dog eyes just one more time. I love you always and feel you by my side every so often. It's nice.
Rob Kimball
April 4, 2007
Dad,
Thank you for all the great times we shared together. The Saturdays at the ball park to the annual night out at Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle Hotel jamming out to the wonderful piano player that you so enjoyed. There are many on my list and I cherish that. I am so happy that we were able to spend so much time together over these last three months. Your everlasting and unconditional love will be with me forever and something I know will help in the future.
You are a one of kind and great dad. I love you and will always hold you in my heart.
love, love, love,
Rob
Larry King & the Irish Maid
April 3, 2007
Meaghan's First Communion
April 3, 2007
Emily's First Communion
April 3, 2007
New York, New York
April 3, 2007
Father & his little boy
April 3, 2007
Rob, Bob & Moira
April 3, 2007
April 3, 2007
Christmas in New York
April 3, 2007
meaghan kimball
April 3, 2007
Dad, I remember the final moment we had together. It was your last night alive, and I was on the phone and you pranced into my room about to head out to the Bark and Whine Ball. You were wearing your stars and stripes sunglasses that Michele gave you for Christmas. You did a little dance in front of me. We did not exchange words, but that move made me think to myself, "Wow I have a cute dad...He has spunk!" We smiled and exchanged glances and then you headed off to the party. I still am in disbelief that was our last moment together, but I am glad that you left me with that adorable impression of you. I know you are laughing right now, and teasing me about my overuse of the word "adorable," but dad it was true!! Love, Meg
moira kimball
April 3, 2007
MY DEAR BOB,
I will always remember the first night that we met...that smokey bar on Union St with Uncle Donald who had left me to my own devises for about a half hour. It was then that you walked in with your friend Wayne from Minnesota.... Two dudes out for a night on the town! The next day I got the call.
......And then the night before you died...Didn't we have fun at the Bark and Whine Ball? You in your crazy dark glasses with stars and stripes all over them. You were having so much fun living it up. Who could have known that was our last night?
Thirty seven years of your unconditional love and devotion to me and our children will always be with me. THANK YOU BOB! I love you. Moira
IOANNA
April 2, 2007
I REMEMBER BOB...
AT THE 9ER GAMES IN THE RAIN... DUCK BOOTS, LL BEAN RAIN JACKET WITH HOOD UP...
AT STINSON, WEARING WHITE TROUSERS, A STRIPED SHIRT, AN ORANGE SHERBET COLORED PULLOVER AROUND HIS NECK... AND COOL SHADES...
IN NEW YORK GETTING OUT OF THE LIMO AT 21 WITH A SILK MUFFLER OVER HIS JACKET...
AT THE GIFT CENTER BAR WITH SYLVIA, CHECKING OUT JEWELRY FOR MOIRA...
AT HOLLOWEEN, DRESSED AS LARRY KING WITH CRAZY SUSPENDERS...
I COULD GO ON AND ON...
BOB: YOU WERE ONE OF A KIND... I CONSOLE MYSELF BY THINKING OF YOU IN HEAVEN SITTING ON THE GRASS WITH LOBO AT YOUR SIDE, DRINKING A MAI TAI...
AND FINALLY UNDERSTANDING WHAT MOIRA AND I MEANT WHEN WE
DISCUSSED GOERGE BUSH...
Romaine's
April 2, 2007
Fond memories of Bob are in New York at Christmas time - the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center,drinks at the Carlyle Hotel, Park Avenue Christmas tree lighting, shopping on Fifth Ave., dinner at the Union Club,Woody Allen,and much more.It was wonderful to have such an enthusiastic New York lover during the holidays........
Love,
Debbie & Arthur
Michèle Stamatopoulos
March 31, 2007
Bob was much loved and I will miss him greatly.
Bradley Kimball
March 29, 2007
Dear Dad,
I will always cherish all the moments that I had with you as a kid, and these last special months. All the outings to Bodega Bay making cheese whiz tortillas on the backpack stove, Half Moon Bay tide pooling, building a saltwater aquarium with you and retrieving water from the Steinhart Aquarium. All the bike rides on Sundays in Golden Gate Park, the Giants and 49er games, camping at Lake Mead when the Scorpion crossed my sleeping bag and you picked it up with a paper plate to save me. We were all screaming at you to put it down, only to watch it strike a piece of bologna that you put in front of it. The Pontoon boat camping trips at Lake Pillsbury and Lake Shasta when all the metals plates fell into the water when a speed boat went speeding by, staying at the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite, our backpacking trip to Voglesang in 1976 will always top my list, my only trip to New York and staying at the Plaza Hotel, my first trip to Honolulu. Our lovely Thanksgiving this year and Christmas dinner in Truckee was so wonderful, I just loved it. The list can go on and on, you shared so much of this world with me in such a short time.
I will miss you Dad, I wish our time together on this earth could have been longer. Just know that I will always love you and will truly miss you. You were such a good Dad to me. Until we meet again,
All my love,
Bradley
Emily Kimball
March 29, 2007
Dad,
I had a dream about you the other night. You were in your office doing your regular "dad" stuff (shuffling papers and putting TSD binders back in your shelves). I couldn't believe you were back! Shocked and amazed, I asked you where you had been and how you came back but you didn't respond; you didn't look at me. I peered into the den and saw Meg, Rob and Mom. I asked them where you had been the last few weeks and how you could be here. Everyone looked just as perplexed as me. Rob answered, "Em, you know Dad has always been a character!" That was that. Maybe you're closer than I think... I love you Dad and miss you so much! Thank you for all the amazing memories and life lessons. You're the best! xoxo
Bradley and Dad August 2006
March 27, 2007
David Katznelson
March 21, 2007
Mr. Kimball,
It has been many years since our paths have crossed, but I want to thank you for your kindness when I was a teenager, and thank you for being such a wonderful father to friends I will have for a lifetime.
Sincerely,
David
emily, meaghan, and rob kimball
March 20, 2007
The following are two letters our father wrote, and we read them at his memorial.
Our father was a practical man, an engineer, methodical and technical, but his playful poetic side came out in his letter writing. We always looked forward to his letters. This is an excerpt from a birthday letter he wrote to me (meaghan) one year:
This is a very happy date in the lives of Bob and Moi.
When we were rewarded with this bundle of joy
Who arrived with a smile at birth and a curl in her hair
Three decades later she is now beyond compare
The smile, the dimple, and that spontaneous wit
Refreshes all who greet her while delighting in it
The following is an excerpt from a letter that my dad wrote to our mom one Christmas entitled "Words from the Flip Side."
She is my guide from the beginning to date.
In my technical quests she hastens my rate
If the answer is black, she explains its white
When the turn is left, she corrects it to right
Our team has two sides for every issue in time
With a formula for love that exceeds the sublime
Moira, I love you more with every passing Christmas -RBK
You will be missed and we treasure these letters.
love, emily, meaghan, and rob
"
Miles Smith
March 19, 2007
I send my thoughts and sympathy to all. I know this is a sad time AND a time to celebrate Bob's long, wonderful life. Thank you for including me in the memorial service for Bob. It was an honor to be part of it! Much love, Miles
Bradley and Dad 1966 First Holy Communion
March 15, 2007
Me and Dad hking in Yosemite 1976
March 15, 2007
Jim McKenna
March 15, 2007
While we lost touch after I retired, Bob was the most "gentle-man" I encountered in the sometimes contentious industry in which we worked. He was also the master of the improbable and, sometimes, the impossible. For example,he was able to get lodging for myself and family on occasions when the city was considered a complete sell-out. He then topped that with a most enjoyable dinner with his family at his home.
An improbable was his ability to continue to come to company sales meetings ( often the bane of reps existence) and still participate and contribute as if it were the first time, thus, making the other reps more comfortable and the company people very appreciative.
Bob was a credit to his craft, his chosen industry , his family and certainly to himself.
Suzanne Purbaugh
March 15, 2007
To all the Kimballs,
I just want all of you to know how very sorry and saddened I am with the loss of your dad, husband and friend. You will never know how great it was to finally meet all of you. I had heard so many things about Bob and can't get over how much Bradley is like her dad! You're all so very lucky to have had a man like him in your life and after seeing all of you together during the holidays, I know he will be missed so much, but I also know what I saw in his eyes, he loved each of you more than you will ever know. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Lesley Pinckney
March 15, 2007
Rob -
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Judi Weil
March 14, 2007
March 14, 2007
Dear Moira and family,
I wish to express my sincere sympathies for your loss. I so did enjoy working with Bob while employed by Moore Industries. We would always have a good laugh about something. He was one of our sales reps that I was sure to contact prior to retiring to say good bye. I just finished reading all the condolences and was moved by them,especially by Craig Johnson's eulogy. He will be missed.
Sincerely,
Judi Weil
Tsudik Krivoy
March 14, 2007
Dear Moira and Family.
I have known Bob for more then fifteen years. Bob was the supplier of instrumentation for the Bechtel Chemical Demilitarization Project, where I worked as a Control System Supervisor. Bob was a knowlegeable and a very professional person. Everybody in Bechtel liked him for his great personality. My relation with Bob have grown to a Friendshiip between our Families.
Dear Moira.
Sharing in your sadness with heartfelt sympathy because Bob and You were such dear Friends for so many years.
With love and much sympathy for all you have been going through,
Tsudik and Lidya Krivoy.
Vince Marchant
March 14, 2007
Bob was a friend and mentor, and a true gentleman. Over the 20+ years I had the pleasure of working with Bob I never failed to be amazed at his resourcefulness and kindness: from a "never give up" approach to business, to opening his home to stranded visitors during the 1989 earthquake, he was a man you could trust and rely upon. He will be missed by all that knew him.
Calvin Kaya
March 13, 2007
To Moira and Family,
I wish to Express my Deepest Sympathy to you and your Family. All of you were like a second Family from San Francisco. I am going to miss Bob and having Breakfast at the Pagoda and His Favorite Halekulani Hotel. We would
plan our Business Schedule for the Day.
Bob was a good Friend an I enjoyed working with him all thru the Years.
Aloha from Hawaii
Calvin M. Kaya
and Family
meaghan kimball
March 13, 2007
We will miss you dad, and I love you !!
Michael Brodie
March 13, 2007
Bob was such a professional and gentleman. He always shared stories about his business trips. He welcomed me into his home and always had words of wisdom. He also had a great sense of humor. I know he will truly be missed by his family and friends.
Matt Fontana
March 13, 2007
The Kimball's are an amazing family and my heart goes out to you. You are an incredible bunch of people and I send my sincerest condolences.
Herb and Caren Betts
March 13, 2007
Bob
I know it was your time to leave us, I just wish we could have said thank you for your friendship, kindness and your wisdom. I've known you for almost 30 years and in all that time I have never know a more gracious person. A kind man who would go out of his way to help another. I have often told many a visitor to your city that if they were ever in need to just call "Bob" and he will take care of you. You would always offer a great meal and a even finer bottle of wine. You were a story teller and these stories were always based on your personal life experiences and always spoke of core values. You were quick to make fun of yourself. Your nap time while driving, walking 8 or 9 blocks to a sales call only to say we went in the wrong direction, parking in the "no parking zones" around the city because they didn't apply to you; everyone knew you have been parking there for 40 years.
You always helped the new guy in our business, you always found something good in everyone. You bragged about your children and how well and successfull they were. You always let everyone know how luicky you were to have the love of a good woman. Everyone you met knew these things about you. Your life was never about Bob.
You never liked goodbyes, you would always just leave. You need to know that you will be missed, you will be talked about and you will be remembered.
Carl Wilmarth
March 12, 2007
Moira,
All of us here at LaTech Equipment wish to express our deepest sympathy at your great loss. As a contemporary, in the business arena with Bob, it was always such a great pleasure to speak with him both on the phone and at manufacture's meetings. Bob always was the consumate gentleman and a truly great representative. I have known Bob for almost 30 years since we represented many of the same lines. I can remember my very first days as a Manufacturer's Representative and going to meetings and seeing Bob and all of the leaders in the Rep business, conducting "important business" and closing the "big orders" I used to sit in awe of them, they were truly bigger than life to me. However, Bob always had a unique way of being totally approachable and intersted in what I, a brand new "small rep firm", was doing. He never once made me feel small or unimportant, just the opposite, he made me feel important and needed every time we spoke. He was one of the best Sales Reps that I have ever had the pleasure of working with. His love of life and of the "project" will be sorely missed. I am sure that no words that I can write will deminish your pain but I did want you to know how saddened we are to lose a great friend and fellow representative. I will think of Bob often, and for sure every time that Craig and I see each other. As Craig has so eloquently stated he was our generations friend and mentor. We all owe him a great debt and will miss him sorely.
With warmest regards,
Carl Wilmarth
LaTech Equipment
Vice President
Craig & Deborah Johnson
March 12, 2007
Craig’s Eulogy to Bob Kimball
Delivered March 7, 2007
Convent of the Sacred Heart Chapel, San Francisco
My dear friend Bob, I am honored to stand here this evening to thank you for our very special relationship, and to share my experiences and insights about you to your beloved family and friends.
We met 22 years ago, and from our first encounter it was clear that you were a unique character. In the process of working together our personal relationship grew deeper and deeper. You became not only my business partner, but mentor, confidant, and a best friend. You were truly like a second father to me.
Business wise you were very creative and extremely competitive. You were always dependable, and I so appreciated having you on my side when times got tough. You had a great calmness, and I can hear your words echo: “Relax” “Calm Down”
You were one of a kind. No one in San Francisco could pull off the bow ties, colorful vests, and fancy pants like you. You were cool and hip just because you had the confidence to be it. Your food preferences were legendary and always predictable:
crab cakes, Caesar salad, oysters or muscles, and the mandatory sweet dessert.
You had a great vocabulary. Yet you would spell words to adults like a secret code as if the other adults listening couldn’t also spell. For example you would ask “would you care for some more W-I-N-E?”
Generosity knew no bounds with you, and you were a great host. Always curious about others, you found joy in talking to toll takers, security guards, and waiters. Your chuckle will be missed.
You followed the 49rs and Giants religiously. Yet playing sports was not your best skill considering that you won the highest golf score award at every sales meeting.
And nobody could accuse you of being Politically Correct. You had a knack of saying things bluntly, and of course Moira was always mortified.
Some of your experiences you shared with me that others may not know are:
In your youth you were a golf caddy at a beautiful country club at your home town of Brainerd Minnesota. You would revisit it almost yearly, and were so happy that Rob & Emily joined you on your last trip.
During WW II you were a Navy pilot for transport planes in the Pacific, and on one occasion you recounted your crew celebrated a little too much and you were the one to pull your drunken crew mates onto the plane and take off the 4 engine DC-4 all by yourself.
I recall your fondness of Lake Tahoe and the Cal Neva hotel during the Frank Sinatra years. One night you even watched Frank wake up his band at 4 am to play a free concert because he felt like singing.
In business you sold construction cranes like the tall ones building the new Bay Bridge, and your company built the first BART ticket machines, then instruments & controls became your passion.
Open and honest describes you as well and that includes personal issues. During your recovery from a hernia operation you complained of constipation. Finally, after a few days, you called our office to announce that “Bob has finally evacuated”, which of course we were all dying to know.
You were an early member of the Sierra Club and loved the outdoors. When we visited Yosemite we sat in that beautiful meadow, alongside the Merced River and sipped fine wine from your original Sierra cups. When you gave me one of your cups I was extremely touched, and will drink from it tonight and always in your memory.
Planning and orchestrating your annual Christmas trip to New York gave you lots of pleasure. Of course you had to have everything scheduled to the minute months in advance. Bobby Short or Woody Allen was always on the list, and if you needed help getting into the popular restaurants you would become “Congressman Kimball”.
Hawaii held a most special place in your heart. I’m not sure if it was because of your Navy years there, the beautiful flowers that you loved, or simply the spirit of the islands. You traveled there frequently for business and had many memorable times with your family.
A special talent you had was writing letters with a poetic flair. The love letter you read to Moira at her last big birthday party was a classic example of your thoughtfulness and creativity. The famous Kimball Christmas cards will not be the same without you.
I never knew someone so devoted and loving of his family. You loved Moria so much and I thought it was precious that you referred to her often as your bride. You boasted of Meaghan’s creative talents and social skills. Rob impressed you with his dedication to music and his independence. I know Emily held a sweet spot for you being your baby, and what joy it was to watch her career blossom. You mentioned Gregory and Bradley often, and were very happy when Bradley reconnected with you and your family. I know that you wanted me to meet both of them, and I regret it is under these circumstances.
Finally Bob, you had another funny quirk. You would often leave the office or many a meeting without using the words “good bye”. I asked you about this once and you said you just don’t like good byes. Well this gathering of friends, family, and loved ones are not saying good bye to you either since you will be with us in our hearts forever. We appreciate you; love you, and thank you for touching our lives.
ALOHA
Oonagh Ferguson Purcell
March 11, 2007
I'm so sorry to hear the very sad news of dear Bob's passing. My memory of Bob is one of a beautiful human being. Moira,you and all the family are in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.
Patrick joins me in sending you our love. With affection, Oonagh
Bob's original Sierra Cup given to Craig
March 9, 2007
Bay cruise departure
March 9, 2007
Dinner cruise on San Francisco Bay
March 9, 2007
Bob & Friends
March 9, 2007
Moira, Emily & Bob
March 9, 2007
Graduation dinner
March 9, 2007
Special Father Daughter moment
March 9, 2007
Emily's Graduation
March 9, 2007
The Merced River
March 9, 2007
Sipping fine wine from Sierra Cup
March 9, 2007
Bob & Deborah picnic in Yosemite
March 9, 2007
Kristy & Andrew
March 8, 2007
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our hearts and thoughts. With love,
Otis Kriegel
March 7, 2007
Whenever I knew I was going to see Bob, whether I was 14 or 34, I knew I would be smiling and laughing. He was classy, interesting, genuine, funny, and loving. He always made me feel so welcome in his home, whether sharing a meal or talking about Grizzly Bear hunting. I will miss you, Bob. Thank you to all of The Kimballs for making me a part of your lives.
millie stahr
March 7, 2007
Bob was a gentle soul and a wonderful family man with a great sense of humor. We were fortunate to have known him all these years. Our thoughts and prayers are with Moira and her lovely family. A well-lived life leaves beautiful treasures.
Love,
Millie & Larry Stahr
John O'Connell
March 7, 2007
Bob was one of my reps for many years. He was an outstanding engineer, a good customer advocate and a tireless worker as well as just a fine human being. My condolences to the Kimball family. Bob will be sorely missed.
Ollie Green
March 6, 2007
So so sorry for your loss.
Rob- we wish you and your family love, peace and strength in this difficult time.
Love,
Ollie & Dave
Laura Beckwith
March 6, 2007
Our thoughts are with the Kimball family and we wish you the best during this hard time.
Anton and I are a part of Rob's NY family. Both our lives have been honored with having Rob in it.
We send you lots of love, Rob.
Laura and Anton
Abigail Miller
March 6, 2007
I am so very sorry for your loss. He was such a wonderful man and I loved the fact that I was able to grow up and know him.
I love you all,
Abby
Jette & Noli Viado
March 5, 2007
Me and my husband were blessed to have known Bob. He is such a wonderful,kind person and he never fails to smile.We will surely miss him.
All the Love to the Kimballs. God Bless.
laura ortman
March 5, 2007
all our love to you and your family, rob. thinking of you with love,
laura ortman and bryan zimmerman, brooklyn
The Kimball Children
March 5, 2007
In lieu of flowers, donations welcome on behalf of our dad to UCSF Menaloma Center.
You can download a pdf form to mail a donation or pledge online at:
http://
cancer.ucsf.edu/howtohelp/gift.php
Make sure to specify UCSF Comprehensive Cancer Center-Melanoma Center. Please state in memo, "In the name of Robert B. Kimball."
UCSF Comprehensive Cancer Center-Melanoma Center
PO BOX 45339
SF CA 94145-0339
.
Dominique Mondini
March 5, 2007
We had the pleasure of meeting Bob just once ,he had a wonderful sense of humour which made us feel
at ease.Giuseppe and I extend our condolences to Moira and her lovely family.
Liz Vaughan
March 5, 2007
That was lovely.We will miss Uncle Bob Love Auntie Liz,Uncle Greg,Caroline,Katie,Peter,Victoria and Robbie
reggie griner
March 5, 2007
It was clear what a devoted father and husband Bob was when we saw him at all of Emily's high school events. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you, Moira, Emily and the family.
Amy Mautz
March 5, 2007
I am so happy i had the chance to meet and spend time with Bob. He had the best sense of humor and style! I love you Bob!
I send my love to the Kimballs.
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