Florida USA
(d. 2002)

Tribute to Dr. Kimball

Dr. E. Robbins Kimball, one of the original members of La Leche League's Professional Advisory Board, died on December 27, 2002 in Jacksonville, Florida.

He was 93. His wife preceded him in death in March 2002. He was given the La Leche League Award of Excellence in 1991 in Miami Beach FL at LLL's 13th International Conference and the LLL Founders' Award in 1997 in Washington DC at LLLI's 15th International Conference. As a pediatrician he was one of the early advocates of delaying solids as a means of avoiding allergies. In the early years of LLLI he worked closely with the Founders reviewing research on the benefits of human milk. Marian Tompson, LLL Founder, said:

"Dr. Kimball's smile was the first thing you noticed, because it made you feel so good. At the same time he was scientifically rigorous when it came to his pioneering research on the value of breastfeeding in allergic families. With an office in his home, and a horse and a donkey in the corral out back, he made visits to the doctor something children could look forward to."

Dr. Kimball served in the military during World War II and witnessed the release of concentration camp survivors. There he became convinced of the importance of breastfeeding as he saw malnourished mothers with healthy babies and toddlers who had survived in the camps through breastfeeding.

In his pediatric practice in Evanston IL his support and encouragement helped many women to breastfeed at a time when the rate of breastfeeding was declining. He was also instrumental in setting up the Evanston Hospital breast milk bank during the 1950s.

Upon reflection Dr. Kimball said he felt one of his most important contributions in life was helping mothers to breastfeed. He was in the process of preparing his memoirs and had contacted LLL to find an LLL Leader or member who could help with this project. His daughter, Alicia (Lee), said:

"Dad always said that LLL women were the smartest and wisest women."

Dr. Kimball is survived by his daughter, Alicia Wilson Kimball; sons Ernest III and David; eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

His family said that his wish was that donations following his death would go to La Leche League International.

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Tribute by Mary Lofton