Dean LaVerne Kimble

August 18, 1927 – May 8, 2019

Dean Kimble

Dean LaVerne Kimble was born to Mount Rainier (Ray) and Saidee Kimble at their home on Queen Anne Hill in Seattle on August 18, 1927. Dean was the 6th of 8 children. He attended Coe and North Queen Anne Elementary Schools, and graduated from Queen Anne High School in 1945. He enjoyed the neighborhoods of Queen Anne, Ballard, Fremont, Golden Gardens and the Locks as a boy, exploring them on bike and by trolley with friends and family. He and his family attended Queen Anne Presbyterian Church, where he was baptized.

Dean enlisted in the US Maritime Service, leaving prior to his High School graduation ceremony, and sailed to Naples Italy, transporting troops to Europe, and bringing troops back from France. Following this deployment, he served in the US Navy primarily in San Diego.
Returning home, he attended Seattle Pacific College, majoring in Math, Science and Education. There he met Harriet Bateman, the love of his life in a chemistry class. They were married in Seattle on December 16, 1950.

After SPC graduation in 1952, Dean began his 36 year teaching career in Harrington, Washington teaching Math and a variety of other subjects. He and Hattie returned to Seattle where he taught at James Munroe Junior High. Shortly thereafter Dean began teaching in the Shoreline School District where he taught at two middle schools and all three of the High Schools. He finished his career at Shoreline Community College where he was known for his skill and patience in working with students who struggled.

Dean and Hattie raised their 3 children Jeanie, Ron, and Heather in the Shoreline/Richmond area. A lifelong lover of the outdoors, he introduced them to camping, hiking, skiing, fishing and enjoying the abundant beauty in Washington State. He kept physically active, playing and coaching tennis, running, cycling, climbing Mt. Rainier and other peaks and walking his much loved dogs.
He was a skilled builder, working in the summer with a teaching friend Clint, building several houses. He made various additions to their homes, and blessed his children and friends with his carpentry skills on many projects.

Dean treasured his 6 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Little ones brightened his smile, and he loved sharing adventures with them.

Dean was a man whose faith ran deep. He began most days with reading and quiet reflection. His faith was manifested in serving those who were hurting or in need. He volunteered in food lines, homeless shelters, and adult day care program, food banks, prison outreach and building with Habitat for Humanity. He was a caregiver to his beloved Harriet throughout the difficulties of her extended illness. He will be remembered for his compassionate heart, love of quiet thoughtful conversations, welcoming and optimistic manner and surprising humor. He leaves a legacy of love and gratitude.

A Memorial Service will be held June 14th @ 2pm at the Cristwood Activity Center, 345 N 190th in Shoreline.

The family requests remembrances be designated to Operation Nightwatch of Seattle or Washington State Habitat for Humanity.