Obituary of Allan "Al" Mamoru Kimura

May 12, 1936 - Oct. 11, 2023

Al passed away peacefully at home in Eugene after a brief illness. He was 87.

He was born May 12, 1936 in Waipahu, Hawaii on a sugar plantation to Satoru and Sumiyo Kimura; he was the third of four children. He spent his childhood on Oahu and after highschool moved to Ashland, Oregon where he played baseball for Southern Oregon University and earned a Bachelor’s degree in education, followed by a Master’s Degree at the University of Oregon.  He began his elementary education teaching career in Coos Bay and then moved to Springfield where he taught at three different schools over the years, retiring in 1992.  During the summers Al worked for Willamalane Parks & Recreation managing the summer education programs. He married Marcia Musgrave in 1967 and they resided in Eugene for many years. She passed in 2206.

Al married Joyce Pappel in 2007 and they enjoyed a wonderful 16 years together biking, hiking, walking, spending time at the Oregon coast, traveling throughout the Pacific Northwest and visiting the Hawaiian islands.  He was a strong believer in the Catholic faith and a long-time member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  He enjoyed gardening, completing the morning Sudoku and crossword puzzles, creating beautiful relish trays and cheering for the U of O Ducks (though he could be convinced to root for the OSU Beavers on occasion). Al was passionate about supporting others in need and contributed generously to a variety of charities over the years. He will be remembered as a thoughtful, kind and generous person and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Al is preceded in death by his parents, Satoru and Sumiyo; his first wife, Marcia, and his sister, Barbara.  He is survived by his wife, Joyce Pappel-Kimura; brothers, Milton and Ken; stepsons, Steve Waggoner, David Pappel, Mike Pappel; stepdaughter, Karen Kerfoot, and numerous nieces, nephews and grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, October 25th at 1:00 pm at Westlawn Memorial Funeral Home located at 225 S. Danebo Ave. in Eugene. Musgroves Family Mortuary in Eugene is in charge of arrangements.  In Al's spirit of kindness his family suggests, In lieu of flowers, giving memorial contributions in his honor to St. Vincent de Paul or a charity of your choice