George A. Kimball

A vibrant, fun-loving, and kindhearted man, George Kimball was a bright light in the world around him. He was the sort of person who made the most of the days before him, embracing both the peaks and valleys along his lifes journey. A more devoted family man would be hard to find as George deeply loved his wife and supported his sons in everything they did. With his unwavering faith as his constant companion, George was always looking for ways he could lighten the load of others. With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around him, he created a breathtaking mosaic of memories that will be lasting treasures in the hearts of those he leaves behind. The entire decade of the 1930s was cloaked in hardship due to the unrelenting grip of the Great Depression. Although things were looking a bit brighter by the year 1937, America still had a long road to recovery with an unemployment rate that hovered above 15 percent. Despite the times of trial around them, a young couple from Elyria, Ohio, was filled with great joy to welcome a healthy baby boy into their hearts and home on February 18th of that same year. George Arthur was the younger of two boys born to his parents, James and Katherine Kimball, and was raised in the family home alongside his brother, James. In most ways George experienced an upbringing that was reflective of the times. He attended local schools, and was known as Cannon Ball Kimball as part of his high school football team. George was quite a talented football player, too, as he earned a football scholarship to Michigan State University in addition to a letter from Woody Hayes himself. His family was given a tough pill to swallow with the death of his father at a young age. As a result, George left college after only one year so that he could come home and help care for his mother. As a young man George joined the United States Coast Guard. This proved to be a fateful move as it was while stationed in Traverse City that he met the love of his life. Her name was Dorothy Ann Sollie, and it was love at first sight for them both. With a desire to establish a life together George married his sweetheart on September 14, 1957. With his duty to his country fulfilled, George was discharged and retuned to Elyria, located in northern Ohio, with his wife. He established what would become a lifetime career with GTE when he began working as a lineman. In June of 1958 George and Ann were blessed with the birth of their son, Jim. With the addition of their son, Dave, a bit later their family of four was complete. As George worked his way up the ladder at GTE he moved his family to different towns along the Lake Michigan shoreline. By the time he retired in the late nineties, George was a manager. After he retired he worked part-time for Churchill Communication and StarTek Equipment. There was nothing George loved more than spending time with his wife and children. He and his boys had trail bikes that they tailored to the different terrains of the various places they rode together. George coached his boys in basketball and was their biggest supporter when they got involved in racing motocross. No matter what sports his boys were involved in George was always there to cheer them on. The family also enjoyed camping together during memorable trips to Florida and Ludington. The Kimballs loved spending time outdoors doing a variety of things like canoeing, hiking, and soaking up the sun and the sand at the beach. They also visited family quite often, too. George was deeply saddened to say goodbye to his brother and niece when they were killed in a tragic car accident in 1972, and it was just a short time later that Georges mother also died. As someone who lived life to the fullest, there were many things that George found enriching. He was a gifted handyman who took on countless restoration projects including both interior and exterior painting jobs. His son, Jim, and his daughter-in-law, Laura, were thrilled to have their own personal handyman on call as George was there to help with several of their home projects. He loved football throughout his life, attending many high school and college games. As someone who lived an active lifestyle, George was an avid bicyclist who also liked walking. Throughout his life there was never anything of greater importance than the relationships he shared with those around him. Both he and Ann were more private people by nature, yet they still had many treasured friends. When grandchildren arrived they couldnt have been happier, and spending time with them immediately became a favorite activity. PopPop did so many things with his grandchildren including lunches at Panera Bread, trips out for ice cream, and looking at old photos for hours on end. George deeply loved each one of his four grandchildren, and no matter what they were doing they all had a great time. When Anns parents needed hands on care, George and Ann provided respite care for his sister and brother-in-law, Marie and Don, up in Cadillac. This worked out great as both George and Ann enjoyed road trips. Daily life grew more difficult for George and Ann when she was diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) in the late 1990s. There were many health clinic trips during the weeks and months that followed until her death in 2002. George was devastated with her death, but he drew strength from the help and love from his church family at Fruitland Evangelical Covenant Church. His church played an important role in his life, and he was an active member there. Eventually brighter days came, and he enjoyed the companionship and friendship of a woman from church named Marilyn. Through the life he lived each day George Kimball taught us that little value is found in the things we have, but that we find true joy in the relationships we share with our friends and loved ones. He was honorable and strong, generous and supportive of those around him. George will be deeply missed while his memory is forever cherished. George A. Kimball died on Saturday, September 29, 2012. Georges family includes his sons, Jim (Laura) Kimball of Spring Lake and Dave (Cathy) Kimball; grandchildren, Emily, Anna, Kirsten, Peter; sister-in-law, Marie (Don) Rennie of Cadillac; several nieces & nephews. George was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy "Ann," and brother, James. Services will be held on Thursday, October 4, 2012, 11:00 a.m. and visitation 1 hour prior to the service at Fruitland Evangelical Covenant Church with Rev. Brian Kyle officiating and Military Honors under the Auspices of the Muskegon County Council of Veterans. Interment at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. Memorials can be made to Fruitland Evangelical Covenant Church. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory.