Richard Stone Kimball Jr.

Richard Stone Kimball Jr was born on July 24, 1946 in Seattle WA to Irene Johnson and Richard Stone Kimball Sr. He grew up around Issaquah, Santa Monica for a short time, and La Conner with his Aunt Mary and Harold. After graduating high school, he started his career as a helicopter pilot in the United States Army and was active duty from 1968 – 1977. He served in The Vietnam War where he earned a Bronze Star for Combat Flight and a Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism. He was stationed in Germany, where he lost his voice in a car accident and thus the nickname/call sign “Whisper” would stick with him forever. He finished out his military career at Fort Lewis and lived in Spanaway WA. His helicopter skills that he perfected in the Army would land his first civilian helicopter job, flying shake bolts for the timber industry. He moved to Forks, WA where he lived for 10 years.

He moved to Elgin, OR in 1988, where he discovered his devout love and passion for Our Lord Jesus Christ. Over the rest of his life, Richard would dedicate most of his free time to studying the Holy Bible. He would hold frequent bible studies with hundreds of students who were willing to listen and learn.

He was a helicopter pilot for WINCO powerline services until age 71, when he retired. The powerline community is a tight knit family where he built many friendships that were long-lasting. There are so many epic stories out there from people who got to fly with him, and they are too many to count. Because Richard didn’t do anything “half-assed”, he was well known as a legendary pilot.

He was always a natural athlete at any sport he played and became especially proficient at racquetball, golf and was still working on his bowling game. He spent what would be his last 5 years living in Everett with his children and grandchildren.

Richard died on October 25, 2020 at age 74.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, sister Diane and grandson Micah.

He is survived by his eight children: Allison and her two sons; Stoney and his sons Jaden, Levi and Hunter; Jennifer and her spouse Bill; Matthew and his wife Ann and their children Madeline, Noah, Ethan, Leo and Julian; Katie and her spouse Jason and their daughters Avery and Haley; Kaylan and his partner Brittney and their children Kade and River; Stephanie; D.J. and his wife Jesse and their daughter Eva.

Due to COVID, there will be a small family burial at Tahoma National Cemetery on Monday November 9th at 1:30pm. We hope to stream the ceremony live on Facebook since we are only allowed 30 people in person.

We are hoping to plan a “Celebration of Life” on July 24th, 2021 on what would have been Richard’s 75th birthday. Hopefully, the COVID situation will not be as big of an issue and ALL his beloved friends and family will be able to gather in his memory.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to your favorite charity. Or, here are some ideas of organizations: Volunteers of America at voaww.org, or Wounded Warrior Project, support.woundedwarriorproject.org Richard loved everyone who crossed his path, was a generous man and would help anyone who needed it.