July 24, 1946 – October 25, 2020

Richard Stone Kimball II was born on July 24, 1946, in Seattle to Irene Johnson and Richard Stone Kimball Sr. He was raised by his Aunt Mary and Harold in La Conner along with his cousin Barbara.

After graduating Issaquah 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. His helicopter skills got him work flying shake bolts for the timber industry. He moved to Forks, where he lived for 10 years.

He moved to Elgin, Oregon, in 1987.

He was a helicopter pilot for WINCO powerline services until age 71 when he retired.

The helicopter and power-line communities are tight-knit small families where he built many lifelong friendships. There are many epic stories out there from people who were blessed to fly with him.

Richard was a natural athlete at any sport he played- his favorite pastimes were racquetball, golf, bowling, and studying Scripture. He spent what would be his last 5 years living in Everett with his children and grandchildren.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, sister Diane, cousin Barbara; 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 was a small family burial November 9, 2020, at Tahoma National Cemetery in Covington.

There will be a “Celebration of Life” on Sunday, July 25, 2021, at Floral Hall /Forest Park, in Everett.

Please contact Matthew or Jennifer if you plan on attending.

Richard loved everyone who crossed his path, was a generous man and would help anyone who needed it.