ORRINGTON - Theodore W. "Ted" Kimball, 65, died unexpectedly in his sleep, with his wife by his side May 23, 2008, at his home. He was born Sept. 13, 1942, in the same home, the son of the late Ernest and Ivy (Linden) Kimball. Ted was a loving, sensitive and compassionate man, who was loved and respected by a world of friends from all walks of life. He loved his family more than anything and left a piece of himself with each of us. He was an innovative and creative man of many talents. He was always there with a smile for anyone who needed a hand. He shared many laughs and good times with countless people. His spirit and drive to make life better for others was an example for us all. Ted had a soft side for animals, rescuing many, and will be missed by Midnight and Patches. Ted was a dedicated union man and was to receive his 50-year membership award this year. He was a business agent for International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen Local No. 7-ME from 1969 to 1989. Ted was a strong voice for the working man and dedicated his life fighting for workers' rights. Ted's favorite topic of conversation was politics. He was patriotic to his country and a true believer in democracy. Ted ran for state Senate in 1980 and state Representative in 1984. Ted was a past officer of Orrington Democratic Town Committee and participated in many civic and volunteer organizations. He frequently voiced his strong Democratic Party convictions. Ted had varied interests from car racing and restoration, motorcycles, snow-mobiles, an avid sports fan and camping to name a few. He found a deep connection to nature and peace when hiking on his land. Ted loved to cruise in his 1956 Chevy Bel Air, his "pride and joy." Ted was a member of the Exiles M/C for many years. He will be sadly missed by his brothers. Ted was a founding father of United Bikers of Maine and their Political Action Committee. He was an organizer and past pre-sident of Eastern Maine Snowmobile Association He was also an officer of "Life in the Past Lane" Nostalgia Auto Club. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jan (Hurd) Kimball of Orrington; six children, Nick Kimball of Orrington and Tavernier, Fla., Katie Rose Kimball of Orrington, Jill and her husband, Neil Cross, of Sandy Point, Holly Kimball of Islamorada, Fla., Kathryn and her husband, Scott Randall, of Bangor, and Theodore Kimball II of Orono; brother, Walter Kimball and Debbie White of Islamorada, Fla.; two grandchildren, Erica Smith and Austin England; two great-grand-children; his "favorite sister-in-law," Dale and husband, Tim Quimby, of Orrington; brother-in-law, Craig Hurd of Rockland; mother-in-law, Shirley Hurd of Orrington, and late father-in-law, Walter C. Hurd; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends. A celebration of Ted's life will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 27, at East Orrington Congregational Church. Gifts in Ted's memory may be sent to a trust fund for Katie's college education at Key Bank, attention: Pat Fish, 5 Parkway South, Brewer, ME 04412. A service of Brookings-Smith, Clark-Piper Chapel, Brewer.