Brett Kimball

One could say that Brett Kimball was an avid hat collector, a diehard Michigan fan, or a talented pool player. The labels that were most important to him, however, and which truly describe his life, are those of son, husband, father and friend. Brett found meaning in life through his connections with many friends, relatives, and above all his beloved wife and son. Although his life was far too short, we can take comfort in the remembrance that he lived his life to the fullest, surrounded to the last by those he loved.

Brett was born on April 30, 1975, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to proud parents Clyde Kimball and Linda Mudgget. Brett was blessed to be the only boy with four sisters Lisa, Rebecca, Melanie and Tamara (Brett was the second oldest). Clyde was the city assessor for Rockford, Michigan, while Linda was employed as a mental health worker. Over the years, Brett attended East Leonard Elementary, Creston High School, and Rockford High School. He enjoyed sports, both playing and watching, and participated on the soccer team in junior high. In fact, Brett loved outdoor activities of all kinds – one of his favorite pastimes as a young boy was fishing with his grandpa. Some would say Brett was the spitting image if his father, in his looks and stubborn personality, with a love for some concoction call macaroni and hamburger, smothered in ketchup. Brett was chatty and social like his mother. From his step father Don, he learned to think deeply about life and what was meaningful.

After Brett graduated from Rockford High School in 1993, he started working as a cook at Denny’s Restaurant, later moving on to Bill Knapp’s. Brett knew how to have a good time, and he was active in many activities and clubs. One of his favorite hobbies was tent camping – the only kind of real camping, according to Brett. He especially loved camping at the Boundary Waters wilderness area in Wisconsin. At home, Brett participated in several bowling leagues and the American Pool Association. No matter where he was, Brett’s friendly personality and great sense of humor made him a welcome addition to any group. He made friends very easily, and could often be spotted with his best friend, Jason Warners. Brett really knew how to appreciate life’s simple pleasures – it made him so happy just to go fishing with his friends, a Busch beer in his hand (or a Dirty Bastard Ale, in later years), with his dogs Duke and Loki at his side.

Seven years ago, Brett found a great job at McDonald Plumbing. He enjoyed the work, and decided to make a career out of the plumbing business. Brett worked hard learning the trade, and was in the process of earning his journeyman’s card.

Brett’s life changed forever when he was introduced to Sarah Chester through friends. Brett and Sarah’s first date was going to see a Star Wars movie. They both were fans – in fact, in years to come, they would exchange the traditional angel on top of the Christmas tree for a Yoda figure! Brett and Sarah soon realized that they wanted to spend their lives together, and were married on May 27, 2010, at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Grand Rapids.

In July 2007 Brett and Sarah were happy to announce the birth of their first and only child, a son, Dalton Kimball. Brett loved being a father, and Dalton was the greatest joy in Brett’s life. A very proud father, Brett was never happier than when spending time with his son. In fact Brett was big "kid" and along with his son he enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews. He was always making goofy faces and joking with the kids. Brett was an active member of the faith community at Westminster Presbyterian. In his free time, Brett enjoyed watching all kinds of sports on ESPN – he was a huge sports fan. He loved NASCAR with Dale Earnhardt Jr being his favorite. He could often be found at The Break Room, on Sunday afternoon sporting his matching 88 shirt and hat, watching the race with his friends.

Tragically, in 2010 Brett was diagnosed with lung cancer. He fought the disease bravely, undergoing extensive chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. He wanted to be strong for his family, especially his son, Dalton, who was his inspiration. Even in his darkest hours, he somehow found the strength to be a father and role model. His efforts won him improved health for a time, but in February of 2011 the cancer returned. Despite extensive chemotherapy, radiation, and spinal surgery, Brett’s health gradually worsened.

No matter how poorly he was feeling, Brett was always happy to see his family. He was blessed to able to spend lots of quality time with them in his final months, including a family trip to Disney World in February. Brett and his mother were members of Gilda’s Club, a cancer support group, which helped him through this difficult time. When it became clear that Brett had exhausted all the options that modern medicine had to offer, he was admitted to Trillium Woods, where his family was with him always.

Loving, kind, and a friend to everyone he met, Brett was a devoted husband, an amazing father, and a true friend. Brett was taken too soon; his memory will live on forever in the hearts of his many friends and beloved family members.

Brett L. Kimball died on April 4, 2012, at the age of 36, with his loving family by his side. He is survived by his wife, Sarah Kimball (Chester); his son, Dalton; his parents, Linda and Don Idsinga, and Clyde (Sarah) Kimball; his sisters, Lisa Kimball, Rebecca (Eric) Heindrichs, Melanie (Tim) Veldkamp, and Tamara (Sam) Sayers; his mother-in-law, Sharon (Bill) Beaulieu; his father-in-law, David (Gina) Chester; his best friend, Jason Warners; his nieces and nephews, Skyler, Carter, Olivia, Caleb and Addison; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Cremation has taken place. A service to celebrate Brett’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday at the Westminster Presbyterian Church, 47 Jefferson St. SE downtown Grand Rapids, south of Fulton St. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Education Fund of his son Dalton Kimball, c/o Option One Credit Union number 101037810, or to Gilda’s Club. Please visit Brett’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can learn more about his life, share a favorite memory or photo, and sign the online guestbook.