“Coach” Richard Gardner Kimball, a beloved mentor, coach, and pioneer in the world of lacrosse, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026, in East Lansing, Michigan. He was 75 years old.

Born on March 24, 1950, in Hartford, Connecticut, to William Richard Kimball and Bernice (Allery) Kimball, Rich’s passion for sports and education shaped his life’s work. He earned a bachelor’s degree in American Studies from Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, and later a master’s degree in Exercise Physiology from Michigan State University in East Lansing. These academic achievements laid the foundation for his remarkable career as an educator, coach, and leader.

Rich, known to most as “Kimball” or “Coach”, began his professional journey at Brunswick High School in Maine, teaching high school history and coaching men’s varsity lacrosse and ice hockey while serving as an assistant football coach from 1974 to 1979. In 1979, he joined Michigan State University as an assistant coach for the men’s varsity lacrosse team before becoming head coach in 1980. Over the next 17 years, Coach Kimball led the Spartans’ NCAA Division I men’s lacrosse program with skill and dedication, boasting three NCAA Tournament appearances and 127 wins while also serving on the NCAA Lacrosse Committee. From 1982 to 1989, he also served as head coach of Michigan State University’s women’s varsity field hockey team. 

Beyond collegiate coaching, Kimball made significant contributions to high school athletics. He served as Athletic Director for Jackson Northwest School District in Michigan and as the Athletic Director and Assistant Principal at Lansing Catholic High School. He was the 2009 Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Regional Athletic Director of the year, the 2018 Michigan High School Coaches Association Boys Lacrosse Coach of the Year, and 2023 recipient of the Michigan State University Varsity Club Clarence “Biggie” Munn Extra Effort Award for the  highest standards of integrity and character and outstanding service. Known for his depth of knowledge of sports (especially lacrosse) and his friendly demeanor, Coach Kimball inspired countless athletes, coaches, and colleagues throughout his career. 

Kimball was deeply passionate about bringing lacrosse to youth across Michigan, mentoring young and aspiring athletes and coaches with  compassion and enthusiasm. Outside of his career, he found joy in nature, enjoying backpacking and fly fishing in Colorado and spending time on the shores of Lake Michigan in Holland with family.

Rich is survived by his loving wife Mary Meyers Kimball; sisters Sally Campbell (Thomas Campbell III) and Marcia Kimball-Wood; stepson Ethan Bentley (Dawn Griffin Bentley); grandsons Cooper Julian Bentley and Griffin Edward Bentley; nieces Susan Linnell (Bobby Butcher), Karen (Campbell) Murdoch (Dave Murdoch), Jamie (Bow) Swisher (Jordan Swisher), and Allycia Kimball; nephew Thomas Campbell IV; brother in-laws John Meyers and James Bow (Joyce Jenereaux); sister in-law Susan Ravenscroft (Al Ravenscroft); and numerous great-nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, William Richard Kimball and Bernice (Allery) Kimball and his aunt Helen Pike. 

Coach Kimball will be remembered for his contributions to athletics, his personable nature, and his unwavering optimism. His passion for fostering growth both on and off the lacrosse field left an enduring legacy. May his memory continue to inspire all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the USA Lacrosse First Stick Program.

A memorial service will be held at a later date, to be announced.