Thomas Gene Kimbrell

Thomas Gene Kimbrell passed away on Monday, August 19, 2013, after a short, but valiant, battle with an idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis acute flareup. In addition to Tom’s skills as a successful architect, he was known and loved for his quick wit and loving spirit.

Tom was born in Peninsula Hospital and attended school in Burlingame, CA. He graduated from Burlingame High School and earned a B.A. degree in Architecture at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, CA. He began his career in architecture by working for Anshen and Allen Architects, Richardson/Voinovich Architects, and Tishman Construction before opening his own architectural firm, Kimbrell Architects, Inc., in Concord, CA. After closing the firm in 2006, Tom was employed by Kitchell in Sacramento as a Project Manager/Senior Architect specializing in health care facilities. He continued in this position until his passing.Ever active in his community, Tom served on the Planning Commission for Walnut Creek, CA. He was also very familiar with the court system in California where he was highly regarded for his expertise. Tom served as an expert witness in numerous trials throughout the years, as well as serving on the Grand Jury in Contra Costa County.Tom is predeceased by his parents, Melvin and Anna Kimbrell; and his brother, Melvin Kimbrell, Jr. He is survived by his loving wife, Pattie, and his devoted children, Ashlie and Austin. Tom is also survived by his sister, Mariann Miller (Mel) of Perkins, OK; sisters-in-law Sherrie Esseff (George) of Moorpark, CA; Christie Provo (Jay) of Prior Lake, MN; Debbie Strauss (Ralph) of Brentwood, CA; and numerous nieces and nephews. Family was very important to Tom. He was a devoted and loving father and husband. He will be greatly missed.Friends and family are invited to a memorial service for Tom on Friday, August 23, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. at Brentwood Funeral Home, 839 First Street, in Brentwood, CA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to California Golden State German Shepherd Rescue, P. O. Box 2956, Alameda, CA 94501; or to Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, ARF, P.O. Box 30215, Walnut Creek, CA 94598.