Dr. Robert Kimbrough

There is a group of adjectives that seem to pop up in any conversation about Dr. Robert Kimbrough: passionate, dedicated, understanding, compassionate, gentle, kind, innovative, patient, generous, talented, pioneering, heroic. And there is not a misplaced modifier on the list.

Turnstone and people with disabilities everywhere lost a tireless advocate with the passing of Dr. Kimbrough on February 9. He was 85.

If Turnstone had a founding father, Dr Kimbrough was that person. He had a passion-andcompassion-for people with disabilities. He knew about their struggles. He was especially dedicated to kids.

After earning an undergraduate degree at DePauw University and completing medical school at Indiana University, Dr. Kimbrough answered his country's call, serving as a captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps during World War II. After the war, he was instrumental in bringing modern orthopedics to the Fort Wayne area, and he soon turned a significant amount of his efforts to Turnstone, then known as the Allen County Society for Crippled Children.

Dr. Kimbrough held the history of our organization and made it easy for us to look back and see how programs evolved over the years. He had the talent, education, experience, and compassion to help us continually improve and be the best we could possibly be. He was always there to help, no matter the situation. I had a deep respect for him and admired his gentle manner. He was truly a hero to everyone.

In addition to serving on the board, Dr. Kimbrough was a member-and often leader-of numerous local, state, and national medical organizations and advocacy groups for people with disabilities. In 1997, he retired from practice after more than half a century of unflagging and dedicated service.