Charles Peter Kimbell
6th March 1942 - 13th October 2020
Peter matriculated at Queens’ in October 1961 and graduated with a 2.2 degree in Engineering in June 1964. The Engineering course was unusually demanding of time (lectures each weekday morning and practical work on Saturday morning), but Peter made the most of the opportunities to enjoy College and University life to the full.
He was Captain of the rifle club from 1962-64, and awarded his University small-bore colours as a result of his ‘possible’ in the match against Oxford, won with a record score of 792/80. Peter also shot for Cambridge full-bore Rifle Association in the Musketeers Team competition at Bisley and represented the Territorial Army in the inter-services matches. A popular and gregarious member of the College, he was often seen on the croquet lawn in the summer term. He rowed in a ‘rugger boat’ crewed by non-specialist oarsmen in his first summer at Cambridge. Music, darts in the Anchor pub, friendly bridge in the evenings, he loved every aspect of College life. Playing Bridge with friends continued to be an important part of his weekly routine as did playing golf.
As a student, Peter was a member of MagSoc (the St Margaret’s Society of Queens’ music). He always loved music, having a particular interest in Classical music but also in New Orleans Jazz, to the extent that latterly he was persuaded to learn Rock and Roll dancing.
Peter worked as a Civil Engineer firstly in London on bridge design for a consultancy firm, followed by two tours in Malawi supervising the construction of bridges, a hydroelectric scheme on the Shire River and the development of the new capitol, Lilongwe. When in England he worked on the construction of various new motorways, before joining the family company Kimbell Construction.
A career change then saw him setting up his own business advising on the letting and selling of companies, before joining Business Link. He loved his new role in mentoring, continuing to work into his 70's.
Peter married Jane in August 1970 and they had two daughters. He enjoyed introducing his grandchildren to playing golf, the harmonica and latterly the saxophone. His oldest grandson has in fact now taken ownership of the saxophone and hopes to have lessons.
Peter and Jane celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary in August 2020, but although grand plans had been laid for a suitable celebration, Covid-related restrictions meant that a BBQ with the family sufficed.
In September, both Peter and Jane contracted Covid-19 and very sadly, he succumbed to the condition in October 2020.
Jane Kimbell
7th April 2021
Built with Shorthand