CANTON – Mr. Richard Havens Kimball, age 90, a resident of 380 Judson Street Road, and Phoenix, Arizona, died at his home on Wednesday, May 17, 2017.

Mr. Kimball was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on January 10, 1927, the son of George W. and Francis (Havens) Kimball. He attended public schools in Waltham and Dorchester, MA and in Chester, NH, graduating from Pinkerton Academy in Derry, NH in 1947. In 1953, he graduated from University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology. He enlisted in the US Air Force in 1952 and later resigned from active duty to pursue a library science career, graduating with a Masters of Library Science Degree from Simmons College, Boston in 1964. He maintained his military connection through his enlistment in the USAF Active Reserve. He worked with the US Air Force Academy and the ROTC Liason Program, retiring in 1981 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During his long career in the Air Force, he had the honor of being awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal. While on Air Force active duty in 1969-70, he earned an MPS Degree in Political Science from Auburn University. In 1975, he married Donna (Farnsworth) Haig.

As a librarian, Mr. Kimball held positions with Skidmore College, State University of New York at Albany, the North Country Reference & Research Council in Canton, a position from which he retired in 1989 as Executive Director. Mr. Kimball was an antique automobile and airplane enthusiast. He was a member of several organizations, including the Antique Car Club of America, the American Aviation Historical Society, and The Nature Conservancy. He will be remembered by those that love him as the kindest, smartest man they knew.

Mr. Kimball’s survivors include his wife, Donna, a daughter, Danielle M. Brown and her husband, Joseph of Massena; a step-daughter, JoAnn B. Snider of Massena; and a step-son, Michael J. Haig of Tucson, Arizona; and a sister, Mary (Kimball) Bosworth of Halifax, MA. He also leaves four grandchildren, Meaghan Breaux and her husband, Nathan, Corey Snider, Madeline and Sophia Brown; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Esther (Kimball) Goodwin of Chester, NH.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at the Unitarian-Universalist Church in Canton.

Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to The Nature Conservancy, the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Canton, or Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley.