Remembering Grandpa Bob!

It is hard to put into words the deep love and admiration our family has for Bob Kimmell. He and Virginia welcomed us into their lives over 37 years ago. As newlyweds, Tim and I moved into our first home right across the street from Bob and Virginia in Westchester, CA. Out of true kindness, the two of them took on the role of pseudo parents to Tim and I, and grandparents to our children. A few short years later we had our second son, Jeffrey. Bob loved both of our boys so dearly - He and Ginny were committed to being a part of our family's life and it was evident in the way they cared so deeply for us. Bob always had a supportive comment or solution for Tim and I on our home improvement projects over the years and would make sure it was done with passion and confidence.
Sadly, our world was turned upside down when our son Jeffrey was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 6 months. Bob and Ginny stuck close by our sides and were there for us as we grieved the loss of Jeffrey when he was three years old. A few years later we welcomed two more children, Greg & Alyssa, who also grew to know and love Bob as their grandpa! As a family, we feel so incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity to build a lifetime of wonderful memories with Bob and Ginny. Some of our favorite memories include Grandpa's homemade cookies at Christmas time! After we moved to Northern California the buckets of cookies still came. The children looked forward to this special package arriving every December! Each birthday and holiday phone call with Bob and Ginny over the years provided our family with such great joy and laughter, despite being miles apart from them. Bob and our son Greg even shared the same birthday, February 5th. The way in which Bob cared for his tortoises is just one example of how he shared his love for animals with all of us. The great stories that he told left memories in our hearts that we will carry with us for years to come. His deep love for Virginia and his own children is something my husband and I and our children will always admire and cherish about him. Although we miss him dearly, we are so thankful to still have Ginny, Susan, and Kim as a part of our family. Bob was a great man who lived an incredible life and we know we will one day meet again!

With love,
The Hendrick Family
Tim & Denise
Matthew, Lisa, Dylan & Ryan
Greg
Alyssa

Thoughts of my Dearest Ever Lovin

My loving and devoted husband was a great father. He was my closest friend. It is difficult to put things on paper that took over 66 years to create. He was very emotional and a big softie.
We devoted our lives to each other, to our children, our grandchildren and family. Along the way we acquired many, many friends that became part of our family. Even after all these years, we never fell out of love with each other, it just got stronger. Many people would ask, "how did you make it last so long" , our answer was always the same, you change the " I, Me, Mine to We, Us and Our".
We were not only mates, we were lovers, friends and partners. We didn't argue. If we had a disagreement, we would talk it over without anger. We tried to teach our children not to say things in anger, because words once said can never be taken back. The excuse, "I didn't mean it" or "I was mad" didn't count because we all know that those words were in your mind somewhere and it came out.
The last 3 years have been difficult but we were still able to laugh and talk about a lot of things.
Every night he would walk over to my side of the bed to kiss me goodnight. I would say "I love you Bobby" and his reply was "how much" and I'd answer "too much, I can't afford to buy you". OXOXOX ... Your Ever Lovin honey, Virginia

What a wonderful slide-show. Thanks. Robert Kimmell Sr. was one of THE kindest people I ever met. aka "Big Bob" will be missed. I can picture him in Heaven right now fishing with Bobbie. He will be missed. ~Terry & Lynn Howarth

What a wonderful life. Although I only knew him in his later years, I truly enjoyed visiting with him while at the Kimmell/Williams home. I know he is watching over all of those he loved so much. Bianca <3

What a wonderful remembrance of a great man. He welcomed us into his life and had the ability to make us feel like family. He will be sorely missed.