FLORENCE Maurice Dale Kimball, 71, formerly of John Day and Prairie City, died May 10, from cancer. A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, May 24, at Canyon City Cemetery.

Mr. Kimball was born July 5, 1941, in Prairie City, to Ira and Hilda Kimball. After graduating from Prairie City High School, he attended Pacific University in Forest Grove and Seattle University in Seattle. He was a lifelong high school teacher who taught in Riddle, Gold Beach and John Day.

For many years, he operated a charter fishing boat in the summers, first in Winchester Bay and then Gold Beach.

In 1980, he married Sharon Vaughn, and in the summer of 1982, they moved back to the family ranch in John Day. He taught at Grant Union High School, and raised registered black angus cattle on the 5K Ranch.

He retired in 2001 and became a real estate broker. He and his wife bought a vacation home in Florence, where he lived until his death. He will be remembered for his humor and joy when telling stories. He made an impact on many of the teenagers he taught, and received several teaching awards and recognitions.

Survivors include his wife, Sharon; daughters Rachel (John) Beer of Rock Springs, Wyo., Colette and partner Diana Avery of Cottage Grove; granddaughter, Jessica (Norm) Proffit Jr. of Rock Springs.

He was preceded in death by his sisters, Betsy, Lila and Marcia.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to ones local hospice. Arrangements are under the care of Burnss Riverside Chapel, Florence Funeral Home, P.O. Box 250, 2765 Kingwood St., Florence, OR 97439.