Obituary of Howard H. Kimball Jr.

Howard H. Kimball Jr. Elmira: Howard H. Kimball Jr., age 86, of Elmira, previously of Glenora, NY; left behind a most interesting life of business, hobbies, friends, accomplishments and hootenanny on Tuesday August 11, 2015 in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family. Honoring his wishes there are no prior calling hours. A private graveside service with Military Honors will be held in Lakemont Cemetery with Kim Harris Larson officiating. Friends are invited to a celebration of Howard's life at Glenora Wine Cellars, on Saturday August 15, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may remember Howard with memorials to the Arctic League, 249 W. Clinton St. Elmira 14901 and Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association PO Box 247 Geneva NY 14456. Born in Elmira June 28, 1929 to the late Howard H. and Angeline Keller Kimball Sr. He attended school in Elmira Heights and spent summers on the old family farm in Monterey. Drafted into the Army during the Korean War he served as a Lt. with the Rangers till wounded. He was awarded the Purple Heart and other medals. He returned to Elmira and married his sweetheart and best friend Nancy F. Marks and yes it was the uniform! She passed away on June 25, 1998. His service to his community and to others was always of great importance to him throughout his life. He entered the hardware business of Rose Kimball & Baxter and eventually became president. He was president of the Arctic League, Arnot Art Museum, and the Tripp Foundation. He was Mayor of Elmira, Chairman of the advisory Board of Marine Midland Bank, and a legendary "Whiz Kid". He was appointed by Gov. Nelson Rockefeller and a member of the first NYS Job Development Authority and the Adirondack Study Commission. He also had great enjoyment in founding Seneca Lake Pure Waters, Dundee Cable Corp and the prestigious Gin Rummy Tournament of Glenora. He founded NYS Wine Grape Growers Assoc. and was one of the four founders of the now famous Glenora Wine Cellars in Dundee. Howard was a great friend to, on the staff of, and an associate of the Houghton Family of Corning. He was an avid fisherman and traveler with a love for Montana's rivers, the Mountains of Colorado, rivers and streams of the Adirondacks, the crystal clear Caribbean waters and the salt water flats of the Florida Keys and Bahama's. He was an avid art collector of much note. He befriended a local artist Thomas Buechner, helping him in placing some wonderful paintings in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Smithsonian in Washington, the Chicago Museum of Fine Art, the Arnot Art Museum and many others. Howard is survived by his 3 children Martin (Julie), Henry (Lynda) and Polly (Steve) Eslinger; 7 grandchildren Andrew, Julia, Christopher, Allison, Alden, Alex & Seth; 6 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, and wife, Howard was predeceased by 2 sisters Calista Pitts and Patricia Miller. Howard extends a heartfelt goodbye to all and a thank you to his good friend, care giver and fishing pal John. Few experience true friendship and he was honored to have had the opportunity! Arrangements are by the Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water Street, Dundee, NY. Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.