Byron Lewis Kimball Jr.

Long-time Torrance resident Byron Lewis Kimball, Jr. , died December 18, 2018 after a 15-year struggle with Alzheimer’s.

Byron was born December 24, 1926, in Redlands, California. His parents, Byron Lewis Kimball, Sr., and Nancy Forker Kimball, moved from Redlands to Inglewood when he was young. Byron grew up in Inglewood, attending Kelso Elementary, Crozier Jr. High and Inglewood High School. He graduated in 1944 and joined the Navy.

After the Navy he returned home to California and entered college, ending up at the University of California at Santa Barbara. In his senior year he met local girl Lucy Doty and they married September 24,1950. They lived in Inglewood before moving to Torrance in 1965, adding children Carol, Karen, Ron, and John to the family. Byron became a facilities planner for the Los Angeles Unified School District, retiring in 1988 as Director of Housing. He was also active in the Council for Educational Facilities Planners International, becoming president and earning Planner of the Year honors.

After his retirement, Byron enjoyed cruising with Lucy and long time friends Larry and Valerie Matson. He was well-known in his neighborhood for his walks in the park and the hours he spent raking leaves in the front year. Byron loved being “Papa” to his grandchildren Christopher West, Caitlin West, Jessica Kimball, and Maaiken Kimball. He began to develop signs of Alzheimer’s in the early 2000’s.
With loving support from caregiver Sonia Jones, Lucy and Karen were able to care for him at home as he gradually became less independent.

Byron is survived by his loving wife Lucy Doty Kimball, daughter Carol West (Craig) of Bayside, California; daughter Karen Kimball of Torrance, son Byron R. (Ron) Kimball (Rowena) of Queen Creek, Arizona; son John Kimball of London, United Kingdom, and caregiver Sonia Jones. Also mourning his passing are extended family members and neighbors. A celebration of life will be held in January. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Torrance Memorial Medical Center Foundation, 3330 Lomita Blvd., Torrance, CA 90505, in memory of Byron Kimball.