Walker Stebbins Kimball, Jr.
Walker Stebbins Kimball, Jr., commonly known as “Kim,” passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, on October 6, 2021, after a long, valiant fight with deteriorating health. He is survived by his wife Dricka and five children (spouses) -- Walker (Allison), Steven (Jennifer), Joslin (Fred), Kirsten (Bob) and Kit (Per) -- and nine grandchildren -- Karsen, Garrett, Alyssa, Charlie, Spencer, Kit, Jane, Ana, and Per Oskar. Kim is also survived by four siblings, Joslin, Katherine, Moie, and Bill.
Kim was born in Keene, NH on Valentine’s Day 1937. He prepared at Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, NH prior to attending Harvard College where he was a member of Winthrop House. He graduated from Harvard with an A.B. in history in 1960. He was an Army Reserve Second Lieutenant and spent time living in Chicago and Boston before making his home in Manchester, Vermont beginning in 1964. For those who knew Kim, he was extremely proud of those accomplishments. However, there was never any doubt he was proudest of his children. Anyone who knew him can tell you he never missed an opportunity to boast of their “accomplishments”! He was indeed a loving husband, proud father, big brother and dear friend to so many.
Kim was the “Chief Potentate” of Kimball/Martin Real Estate and Construction for over 45 years which included contributions to downtown Manchester in the form of office construction and eventually restoration of the now 200-year-old Kimball Grist Mill on the mill pond in the center of town. Kim was a consistent leader on both the business and social fronts in Manchester, with a network of friends that runs deep and wide through the Manchester valley and adjacent communities. His real estate business and notable social character made him the perfect ambassador for people moving to the Manchester community, many of whom became enduring friends. Kim was always willing to help with work, play some golf, and share a drink with friends. He had a passion for chain sawing, fixing appliances, sending letters/post cards, tending the perfect fire in wintertime, hoarding most any kind of tool, wearing bright colored pants, liking frog images and everything that was bright green to name just a few. He and Dricka were hosts to many legendary social gatherings at their Seminary Avenue home, continuously creating friendships and amazing stories which were endless and timeless.
Kim’s sense of humor and joy for life now lives on through his family, his close friends, those he worked with, those he helped and mentored, and those who loved to spend time laughing and enjoying a party for any reason! We will miss him dearly.
There was a celebration of Kim’s life at Ekwanok Country Club in Manchester, VT on October 17.
If you would like to make a contribution in Kim’s memory, please direct that to: Southwestern Vermont Medical Center Foundation, 100 Hospital Drive, Bennington, VT 05201; www.svhealthcare.org/givenow.
Guestbook condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net.