Canberra sporting leader dies from Parkinson's disease
John Kimball, Belconnen Magpies president, died aged 77.
John died on September 11, 2026, aged 77. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's in his late 50s and spent almost two decades managing the progressive condition.
John's wife Marcia advocated for others living with it as chair of Parkinson's ACT. A competitive squash player and longtime president of the Belconnen Magpies Football Club, Kimball guided the club through major growth in the 1990s and beyond.
John and Marcia were married for 54 years and had two children. A celebration of his life will be held at the National Arboretum on September 29.
In the ACT, more than 2,000 people live with Parkinson's, and about 50 Australians are diagnosed each day.
- September 11, 2026
- Date of death
- 77
- Age at death
- 54
- Years married
- 2,000 people
- Parkinson's in ACT
Why it mattersKimball's death highlights the long-term impact of Parkinson's, a neurodegenerative disease that affects motor and cognitive function, and his advocacy helped advance community support for patients.
AustraliaIn Canberra, his loss removes a prominent community figure and his wife's continued work as chair of Parkinson's ACT underscores the growing need for disease awareness and support in the ACT.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 5 d ago
