01/23/2026
(John Kimbal on right with Steve Golden, chair of the Ward Committee)
The Passing of John Ward Kimball
John Kimball, considered the soul of the Ward Reservation, passed away peacefully at his home on January 19, 2026, at the age of 95. John was the driving force for protecting what is widely regarded as the crown jewel of outdoor spaces in Andover/North Andover - the Charles W. Ward Reservation. The view of Boston's skyline from the high meadows atop Holt Hill is an iconic feature of the area.
In 1940, Mabel Ward, John's grandmother, donated 153 acres of land to the Trustees of Reservations in memory of her late husband, Charles W. Ward. Today, thanks to the tireless stewardship of John Kimball, this publicly accessible reservation encompasses 733 acres of fields, woods, ponds, meadows, and a bog, all laced with hiking trails.
John and his wife, Margaret, lived most of their lives in Andover and raised their sons in their historic home overlooking the Ward Reservation. Thanks to this family's foresight, generosity, and dedication to land acquisition and conservation, visitors from near and far can enjoy and explore the beauty of nature throughout the reservation...from soaring kestrels in the skies, to bobolinks and bluebirds in the meadows, to blankets of trillium blossoms in the woodlands.
The Kimballs quietly helped to grow and preserve this special place in the Andovers by acquiring land and assisting with the care and maintenance of the property. They always encouraged the public to come and enjoy its treasures. The original gift of the land included a unique installation of solstice stones placed by Mabel Ward on the summit of Holt Hill. At 420 feet above sea level, it is the highest point in Essex County. In the Revolutionary War period, an account of the Battle of Bunker Hill was recorded from Holt Hill's summit. Noteworthy also on the property is the Pine Hole Bog, formed by glacial activity at the end of the last ice age. The Kimballs oversaw the installation of a boardwalk into the bog, allowing for close-up viewing of its botanical features.
To honor John's wishes that his life be remembered through his accomplishments, no memorial service is planned. Contributions in his memory can be made to support the Charles W. Ward Reservation at the Trustees of Reservations, 200 High St., 4th Floor, Boston, MA 02110. Anyone wishing to share reflections or recollections of John is encouraged to send them to [email protected], where they will be collected and shared with his family. Plans for future acknowledgements will be shared by Friends of Ward.
John Kimball's obituary:
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/bostonglobe/name/john-kimball-obituary?id=60586792
Learn more about Ward Reservation and the Trustees of Reservations
https://thetrustees.org/place/charles-w-ward-reservation/
https://thetrustees.org/membership/
We are always looking to recruit supporters; please send an email to [email protected] if you wish to volunteer.
