Robert Kimura

Dr Robert S. Kimura, inner ear researcher and medical scientist, died April 7, 2017 at the age of 96. Born on June 5, 1920 in Long Beach, CA to Kumazo and Toku Kimura, he was a longtime resident of Weston, MA until he moved to Middleton, WI in 2009.

Co-founder and former director of the Electron Microscopy Laboratory at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA and associate professor at Harvard Medical School, Dr Kimura conducted research on Meniere's Disease and the structure of the inner ear. He was a strong believer in team research, particularly the collaboration between clinicians and basic scientists, as exemplified by his association with Dr Harold Schuknecht at Harvard Medical School for over three decades. In 1988, Dr Kimura was awarded the Shambaugh Prize in Otology by the Collegium Oto-Rhino-Laryngologicum and in 1990 was presented the Award of Merit of the Association of Otolaryngology Research in recognition of his contributions to the field. He continued his research activities at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary until his retirement in 2000.

A dedicated husband, a kind and supportive father and doting grandfather, Dr Kimura was always a pillar of strength for his family, providing wise yet friendly words at every occasion. He was staunchly loyal and dedicated to all those he befriended, and his gentle demeanour coupled with strong determination in all he did was an inspiration to those around him. He was an avid Boston Red Sox fan and loved classical music, bird-watching and Sudoku.

Robert Kimura is survived by his wife, Ayako, his two daughters, Ibuki Kimura of Middleton, WI and Tomomi Jorgensen of London, England, and his four grandchildren, Alex and Megan Button and Lukas and Keira Jorgensen.

Private Services will be held.

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