Bill will be missed by many in the preservation community.  He was a mentor and the consummate spokesperson for sensitive development and the importance of historic preservation, both urban and rural.  Ted Ligibel, EMU Historic Preservation Program

Bill was an important member of the Michigan Historic Preservation Network, serving as a board member during the 1990s and helping assure that we developed programs and policies that were supportive of rural and agricultural preservation.  He brought that same sensibility to his service as an Advisor to the National Trust for Historic Preservation.  In addition to providing great academic and organizational work, he was just a really good friend and advisor to all of us.  The preservation community will miss him.

I knew Bill from the Michigan Barn Preservation Network and will always appreciate the early work he did in getting people (both urban and rural) to appreciate barns and the stories they represent. Thank you, Bill!
Marcia Stucki, Galesburg, MI, member, MBPN
P.S. My "second Mom" (my late father's "significant other," Mary Ann Trace Grether, was born & raised in Seymour, Wis.! Her grandfather was a prominent physican in town; she is 89 years old and now lives in Minnesota, but still comes to Loon Lake at Shawano, Wis., to their family cottage every summer....They probably knew each other; Seymour is not that big!

Bill was an early supporter of the masters program in historic preservation I developed at EMU.  We worked together on several projects and enjoyed collegiality at National Trust and Michigan Historic Preservation Network meetings. I valued his friendship and will miss him greatly.

To family and friends of Bill Kimball,
Bill was a such a kind and gentle man.  When he and Alice would come to visit us in Madison, Bill was always cheerful, upbeat, and interested in others. He would play with Meaghan and make cut-out decorations with her. He thoroughly enjoyed relating to people of all ages.  We looked forward to hearing Bill tell, with great enthusiasm, of his latest adventures of barn restoration. We will always remember his wonderful smile.
Ellen Rafferty and Robert Jones

First as my academic advisor and then as my boss nearly 40 years ago, Bill was a guide and mentor during my formative years in the field of community development.  Long afterward I continued to benefit from his intellectual curiosity, his rigorous writing standards, and the example he set as an Extension Specialist.  In deep appreciation for having known Bill, I send my condolences to the family.

Bill will be missed -- he was a long time college.   I am sad. Peter Kakela

Bill was a great mentor to me. I soon learned that his name was well respected in community development circles around the country. His passion for the work was legendary, not only during his career, but after he retired from full-time university service. He was especially proud to be affiliated with Extension and to carry the title, Extension Specialist. I can't count the number of meetings during which Bill would acknowledge his affiliation--first and foremost--with Extension. Bill was a huge figure in my growth and development at MSU. I can't fully express my appreciation for the role he in my professional life.

Bill will be remembered fondly by his many friends over the years.  He made a contribution to whomever he befriended. 
Mary A. Hansen

To the family of Bill Kimball:As life members of FHM both ELaine & I wish to ex-press our sympathy for Bill's passing. I worked along side of Bill in saving the Unruh Barn. And as one time owners of two timberframe barns gave support to his barn preservation efforts. He was a good & kind friend. Prior commitments preclude attending Thurs. With love & prayers, Russ & Elaine Scovill

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

OBITUARY

William James Kimball

October 6, 1925 – May 24, 2013

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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