Ronald Wallace Kimball

Ronald Wallace Kimball was born on January 26th, 1951 in North Hollywood California. He attended Central School in Cucamonga, California until 3rd grade, transferring to Valle Vista Elementary. He went on to Alta Loma High School, graduating in 1968. He then attended Chaffey Junior College graduating in 1970. He went on to Humboldt College, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in both Calculus and Oceanography and Chemistry as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in both Math and Physics.

After graduation, Ron joined NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association) as an officer on the ship Discoverer which spent time in Alaska creating new, more accurate maps of the ocean depth in the Arctic area. His next assignment was in Hawaii surveying 700 small Islands in the Hawaiian chain. He then transferred to Pascagoula, Mississippi where he was employed in weather research. He then moved to Manchester, Washington where he worked at the local fisheries there. He purchased his forever home in nearby Port Orchard, Washington. Upon leaving NOAA, Ron earned his Real Estate Licenses and became a Real Estate Broker for John L. Scott, retiring after over 20 years in the local industry. Near the beginning of the COVID pandemic Ron moved in with his sister, Bonnie and remained there until his passing.

Ron adopted and raised three young men, providing them ample love and guidance. They have become good men. This is his proudest accomplishment. Ron enjoyed a fair amount of international travel, visiting more than 50 countries. During his travels he built relationships that lasted a lifetime. He enjoyed learning about different cultures, immersing himself in every experience. He was a lifelong learner with a robust sense of humor and a gentle, teasing nature that made people at ease in his company.

Ron enjoyed the holiday season. Particularly Thanksgiving and Christmas which included good food, fun company and creating lasting memories. He also enjoyed many family vacations, which included visits to national parks and Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. He also enjoyed watching the Seahawks games with his sons and sister and attending his children and grandchild’s school and sporting events. He enjoyed spending his free time engaged in conversations with many of his good friends over the phone, maintain long term relationships and building new ones. He enjoyed collecting art and experiencing the natural beauty of the world on road trips. Ron loved watching the colors of the leaves turn in Autumn, often traveling to experience fall in different National Parks. His favorite color was blue.

Ron was preceded in death by his loving mother, Barbara Nelson, a school librarian and Father, Richard Kimball, an Airforce Test Pilot. He is survived by his sister, Bonnie; sons, Zhenya and Kevin Kimball; stepson, David Walker, Daughter in Law, Alicia Kimball Gregg; and granddaughter, Ashley Kimball.

Words that Describe Ron's Main Mission in Life: Family first. Ron had strong ties to an extended family spanning many states. He dedicated much of his life to building bonds, making memories and offering unwavering support to those he loved. He believed that in treating people the way you’d like to be treated and was a living example of this belief throughout his life. He loved music and had most enjoyment for music of the 60’s and 70’s.

In lieu of Flowers, Donations Can be Made to: South Kitsap Help Line: 1012 Mitchell Ave, Port Orchard, WA 98366, phone number: (360) 876-4089

Memorial Service details: Remembrance gathering to be held at The Narrows Brewing Company (9007 South 19th St, Tacoma WA 98466) on Saturday, November 5th, 1-5 p.m.