Gary Austin Kimball

Gary Austin Kimball, age 81, passed away at home on June 5, 2018. Gary, a fourth generation Park City native, was born at home on April 30, 1937 to Maud Smith and Gilbert John Kimball. He was raised with his sister Helen Adams, deceased, and his brothers Gilbert Kimball, deceased and Paul Kimball. Gary is survived by his wife of 52 years, Jane Ann Jennings Kimball; son, James Patrick; and daughter, Janice Jennings. Gary lived all his life in Park City except for time served in the Navy and time spent at college.

Gary’s formative years started at the height of the depression into the Second World War and Korean War. Park City was a very different place than it is today. Gary attended the Marsac School before it became City Hall, and he attended Park City High School before it became the library. He graduated from high school in 1955 with classmates whom he admired and loved.

Gary was a character who enjoyed good conversation and a beverage. He held many different jobs in Park City including lift operator, insurance salesman, and Grubstake Grocery store co-owner. Gary also worked for Chevron Pipeline for 23 years.

Gary loved Park City and history. He merged these passions; writing about Park City’s colorful past often focusing on those minorities who worked in the mines, stores and saloons. Gary published accounts in the Lodestar Magazine and the Park Record. He also was the author of several books including: Death and Dying in Old Park City-2005, Of Moths and Miners-2006, Saloons of Old Park City-2010, and Life Under China Bridge -2013. Gary belonged to many social justice organizations and always took an interest in community issues. He served on the Park City’s Historical Preservation Board. In August 2009, Park City proclaimed him as the town’s historian or as the Mayor said “Ye Official Old Guy”.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 15, 2018 at 11:00 am at the Old St. Mary’s Church located at 121 Park Ave, Park City. Family and friends are invited for lunch following the service. Interment will be at 2:00 pm at the Park City Cemetery. The family would like to thank Dr. Joseph Ferriter of Round Valley Clinic, George Hare and Kathy Wilde of Applegate for their kindness and support.