Wayne Donald Kimball, 89, of Middlebury, Vermont, died peacefully at Porter Medical Center on July 3, 2026.
Wayne was born at home in New Haven, Vermont, on August 12, 1936. He attended schools in Middlebury and was a lifelong resident of Addison County.
Wayne spent the past 70 years with the love of his life, Janet (Barnes). They were married on December 3, 1955, and together raised five children. Their family blossomed into a large extended family that brought them both tremendous pride and joy.
Wayne’s early years were spent on the family farm in Middlebury, where he developed a lifelong love of the outdoors. He became an avid vegetable and fruit grower and took great pride in every harvest. He also took meticulous care of his large backyard and was happy that it became a favorite gathering place for neighborhood children, who spent countless late summer evenings playing kickball and baseball.
Wayne was a founding member of the Sodbusters Horseshoe Club, originally located at the Case Street Community Club, which once served as the one-room schoolhouse he attended as a child.
Wayne spent several decades working at Polymers Plastics, where he was valued for his skill in maintaining machinery and for keeping the expansive grounds neat, tidy, and beautiful. Many people admired the well-kept property as they passed the plant along Dows Pond on Route 116. Later in life, he worked for Middlebury College, cared for a prominent estate in upstate New York, and worked with Project Independence in Addison County. Wherever he worked, his knowledge, strong work ethic, and talent for caring for the outdoors were put to good use and well respected.
Wayne spent the last 20 months of his life at Helen Porter Rehabilitation and Nursing in Long-Term Care Otter Creek East. Just a few rooms away, behind the double doors of the Memory Care Unit, lived his beloved wife. Wayne spent his days faithfully by Janet’s side, sometimes joining in the activities and other times simply watching her enjoy them. During Wayne’s stay at Helen Porter, he and Janet were the facility’s only married couple living under the same roof, a testament to their enduring devotion to one another.
Wayne’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the extraordinary staff at Helen Porter Rehabilitation and Nursing for the unwavering compassion, kindness, and support they showed our father throughout his time at Otter Creek East. All of you were truly a blessing to him and our family. We also wish to thank the wonderful caregivers in the Medical-Surgical Unit at Porter Medical Center. You all made Wayne’s final days as comfortable and peaceful as possible, and for that we are deeply grateful.
Wayne is survived by his beloved wife, Janet (Barnes), and four of their five children: Robin Rheaume and her husband, Robert, of Groveton, New Hampshire; Randall Kimball and his wife, Patricia, of Williston, Vermont; Dea Kimball and her fiancé, Richard Nadler, of Loudonville, New York; Michele Cyr and her fiancé, Victor Quenneville, of Ripton, Vermont, and his daughter-in-law, Kelley Kimball of Williston, Vermont. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Wayne was predeceased by his son, Glenn Kimball; his parents, Burton Kimball Sr. and Florence (Germain); and each of his five siblings: Gladys Warner (Robert), Burton Kimball Jr. (Margaret), Margaret Roy (Raoul), Katherine Wetmore (Frank), and Constance Hamel (Larry).
Calling hours and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. at Brown-McClay Funeral Home, 48 South Maple Street, Vergennes, Vermont. A private burial at Prospect Cemetery in Vergennes will follow for the immediate family.
Wayne lived a life rooted in love, family, and the simple joys of the land he worked and tended. He will be lovingly remembered.
