William “Bill” Paul Kidder
Services for William Paul Kidder
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September 22, 2024
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Celebration of Life
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2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
A Celebration of Life, including a barbecue, good music and story sharing will be held on Sunday, September 22, 2024, from 2pm-6pm at the The Point, 1010 Santa Clara Place. All are welcome. Contact Rebecca at [email protected] to RSVP.
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Celebration of Life
:
2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
March 18, 1954 - August 25, 2024
William “Bill” Paul Kidder passed away at home on August 25, 2024. Those closest to Bill called him Billy. Billy was born on March 18, 1954 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Jay T. Kidder, Sr. and Dorothy Foster Kidder. The youngest of three sons, Billy had an adventurous childhood under the watchful eye of his parents and his older brother Jay “Tom” Kidder and Robert “Bob” Kidder. After High School, Billy joined the United States Army, working part of that time in the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. Billy worked for Pillsbury bakery and then opened a record store in Minnesota after his honorable discharge from the Army. Billy, always the adventurer, moved to San Diego, California in 1975. He responded to an ad placed by Bill Day in The Reader, a local paper, looking for a guitar playing singer. When Billy showed up at Bill’s house in his red Ford van, Bill quickly realized Billy was like a walking encyclopedia of music and artists dating back to the 40’s and on, and he had a P. A. system! Billy played with the band, naming it “Whitewater,” for several years, playing casual parties mostly for the love of the music.
Billy went on to own several businesses including a house painting business, and real estate in Arizona and California. Around this time, he met Frank Laxton, his next-door neighbor who came to hear the band. Frank soon joined Billy in his businesses and worked with Billy and became a dear friend and caretaker for Billy until the end. Around that same time, he met Jeff Malmgreen, who was his roommate for over thirty years in total. Several years later, Billy met Larry Asher, a bass guitarist and he joined the band; The circle of friends grew in the 1980’s to include Michael Woosley (guitar), Kenny Fantor, (guitar), Harold Siegwart, a general contractor who worked on Billy’s real estate and Amy “Brandy” Davis, who joined Bill’s painting business. Ever the entrepreneur, in his later years, Billy collected and sold rare books ranging from the Wizard of Oz, the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew, to gothic horror. He was a prolific reader and could talk about any subject with ease with friends and strangers alike. He loved art, music, traveling, watching cartoons and the Disney Channel, H.P. Lovecraft and Jules Verne.
Billy’s Thursday night barbecues became a staple event for over twenty years. The circle of friends would play music before and after the meal. It was a welcome break from the busy lives they all led. They would go around the circle and each one would start a song and the rest would play along. Michael Woosley and Bill had a special musical connection with blue grass music.
While he had no children of his own, he was ever present in the lives of his niece Becky and nephew Jason to offer encouragement and support. Over the years his companion dog Scully, golden retrievers Jake, Toots and Angel and later in life his cats Tugs, Mr. Crumpet, Cream, Pip, Baby, Inky, and Tawny were his constant companions. He loved his brothers Tom and Bob and was always there to support and encourage them. In his later years his father Jay stayed with Billy who cared for him until his death. Billy had a major health event in 2019 and a heart surgery in 2020, which limited his travels. But he still enjoyed the company of friends and had ongoing connections online to many publishers and collectors and continued his adventures through the books he read daily. The family is ever grateful to the Veterans Administration and Dr. Brunhilda Thorstidotter for saving his life.
Billy worked hard, was fair to everyone he worked for and with, and took care of and provided a livelihood for many. He was the “glue” that held together his family and the circle of friends over the years. He had a heart of gold and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He had immense compassion for friends, acquaintances and family, often letting others live in his homes when they needed a hand. He loved God and did not have a drop of hate in his heart for anyone. His travels and adventures will remain legendary, providing a source of great joy for all those fortunate enough to go on an adventure with him.
Billy was preceded in death by his parents Jay and Dorothy, his brothers Tom and Bob, and lifelong friend Larry Asher. He is survived by his nephews Jason (Robin) Kidder and their daughter Alison, nephew Tom (Sarah) Nitschke and children Samantha, Tenzen and Priya, niece Rebecca Kidder (Steve Brings Plenty) and children (Cody, Sid, Stevi, Karlyle, Kallison, Tully, Madisyn, Connor), and many friends who became his brothers and sisters. It is said, that if you have one true friend that has your back and never judges or betrays you, you are blessed. Bill was that friend for so many.