Dennis W. Kimberling, 49

Dennis W. Kimberling, 49, passed away Dec. 5, 2012. He was born in 1963 to Helen (Heppner) and Mose Kimberling of Moscow.

Dennis attended Moscow schools and graduated from Moscow High School in 1982. He earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in music from the University of Idaho in 1986 and 1993 respectively. He focused on low brass performance and music education and especially enjoyed playing tuba in the Vandal Marching Band.

In 1985, Dennis married his high school sweetheart, Debra. Shortly after, they began their teaching careers in Friday Harbor, Wash. In addition to teaching, Dennis conducted the community band, worked for the San Juan Island Performing Arts Center, and found time to go fishing on the Puget Sound.

In 1990, they returned to Idaho to start a family and teach at Lakeland School District. Dennis taught all levels of instrumental music and worked in nearly all of the Lakeland schools. His sense of humor, depth of knowledge and work ethic helped him foster musicianship. For Dennis, teaching was about more than just music; it was about inspiring and connecting with his students.

Later in his career Dennis became the gifted and talented facilitator for Lakeland secondary schools. During this time he developed a passion for science and technology education. He initiated and coached the FIRST Robotics team at Lakeland High School. Furthering his passion for promoting science, Dennis became the educational director the nonprofit outreach organization, Discover Technology, where he put his heart into making science available to students throughout the community.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Debra and his by his daughters, Emily of Phoenix, Ariz., and Kaitlin of Claremont, Calif. In addition he is survived by his parents in Moscow and brothers, Jeff (Megan) in Pullman, Wash., and Tim (Peggy) in Kellogg.

A memorial service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012, at the Lakeland High School commons. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to The Lakeland Foundation, P.O. Box 39, Rathdrum, ID 83858.

Please sign Dennis’s guest registry and view his online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.