Arthur William Kidd, 85, of Harrisonburg, passed away July 21, 2009, at Rockingham Memorial Hospital in Harrisonburg. Mr. Kidd was born Oct. 11, 1923, in Patterson, N.J., and was the son of the late Arthur Joseph and Marion Farrel Kidd. 

Mr. Kidd was a second lieutenant in the Army Air Corps from 1942 to 1945, serving as a B-24 navigator.  He then graduated from Hamilton College in Clinton, N.Y., and joined the Oneida Silversmiths in Oneida, N.Y. After 35 years of service, he retired as the sales manager of the Holloware Division.

Mr. Kidd moved to the Valley from Oneida, N.Y., in 1986 where he founded the Oneida Tax Payers Awareness Group. Locally, he was a member of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, the American Legion and Family Forum, and was active in the Republican Party and Big Brothers Big Sisters. He was an avid JMU/Bridgewater College sports booster and conducted his own summer sports clinics and camps for his grandchildren and their friends. He had a proclivity for enlightening others on local and national issues through letters to the editor and guest editorials.

He is survived by Jeannette (Cunningham) Kidd, his wife of 58 years. He is also survived by son, Michael A. Kidd and wife, Diane, of Williamsport, Md.; daughters, Jennifer Follett of Hamilton, N.Y., Jacqueline Oceanak and husband, Craig, of Cheyenne, Wyo., Kathleen Rivers and husband, Scott, of Lake Butler, Fla., Kristine Long and husband, Michael, of Grottoes, Va., Susan Kane of York, Pa., Margaret Edwards and husband, Wes, of Virginia Beach, Va.; 19 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Besides his parents, Mr. Kidd was preceded in death by a son-in-law, David Follett.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, July 25, 2009, at the Kyger Funeral Home Chapel in Harrisonburg with Father Thomas Mattingly officiating. Entombment will follow at the Eastlawn Memorial Gardens Mausoleum in Harrisonburg.

The family will receive friends Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Kyger Funeral Home in Harrisonburg.

 Memorial gifts may be sent to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 154 N. Main St., Harrisonburg, VA 22802, or Big Brothers Big Sisters of Harrisonburg, Va., at www.bbbshr.org.

Online condolences may be sent to the Kidd family by visiting www.kygers.com.

Comments

Add New

I first meet Art at Hamilton College in the late '40's and later had the privilege of being one of his Oneida Ltd"Holloware Specialists" Over the years we visited customers in New England, ,the DeepSouth, and Mid Atlantic States.Conversation at those calls involved more sports politics,and family than Silverware which endeared him to all. A true friend, husband, and father. Jim Judson 2009-07-23 07:51:32

I had only known Art in passing thru my college years, having gone to schoo' with Jennifer, but consider him a friend and a sometime mentor after I began a sales career at Oneida LTD in 1978. Never one to not voice an opinion (he could sell ice to Eskimos)--- a consummate sales professional --- Jim said everything else I could add. My sincere condolences to the family. Rick Sanders 2009-07-23 08:28:37

Hi Jeannette & Family, Our prayers are with you during this time. We really miss the good old days and wish you still lived on Grove Street. All the neighbors on our end go away summer and winter, and it is a quiet street . Remember the basketball games? We will never forget Art. He was fun to talk with and always has an interesting story. May God bless Art! You are in our prayers Mike and Julie McCormick Mike and July McCormick 2009-07-23 12:57:43

Dear Jeannette and family, We will miss seeing Art and send our heartfelt sympathy and love to all. From 2 of his favorite Florida girls, Stella & Munch Rivers Stella & Munch Rivers 2009-07-23 13:12:27

To all the Kidd Family, One of the many things we appreciated about Art was the strong stance he would take for his country, his community and his family. He had an interest in so many things and loved to 'discourse' with people for hours. Art always aimed for excellence in all that he did and encouraged others to do the same. It's our privilege to have known him. My the strong grace of God hold you all during the days ahead. Rick & Connie Anderson Rick & Connie Anderson 2009-07-23 13:25:56

Dear Jeanette, I'm so sorry to hear of Art's passing. My condolences to your family. Kim Sandum 2009-07-23 14:12:07

We have lost a dear friend, We are so sorry for your loss everyone. Over the years we had so much fun with Uncle Art that a smile still comes to my face whenever I think of our recurring debates on Oneida sports or politics. Aunt Jeannette our prayers are with you. Kidd kids, my hope is that your children possess as much of your dad's personality as possible. If so, they will truly be fascinating adults. God Bless you all. Tom and Sue Tom and Sue Donegan 2009-07-23 18:36:58

We are thinking of you all at this difficult time. May God grant you peace and fond memories of your beloved father. You are in our prayers. Love, John, Tara, Megan & Kaitlyn Gainesville, FL The Gallaghers 2009-07-23 20:05:13

I became friends with Art through the Daily News Record where I am the business manager. He would share his letters to the editors with me and we would spend time discussing political views. He was a charming, intelligent, thoughtful man who cared a great deal about his family, sports and his country. He always had a smile. It was my pleasure to get to know him and a privilege to call him my friend. My condolences to his family...how he loved all of you. My prayers are with you. Betty Hinkle 2009-07-24 05:20:08

To Jeanette, Kathy and the Kidd Family, We offer to you our most sincere sympathy during your time of grief. Wilson & Sue Rivers Wilson & Sue Rivers 2009-07-24 05:57:28

Retired Oneida Ltd. employee My only encounters with Art were back in the 60's when I delivered company mail to his office on the third floor of the Sales Office. He was always friendly. Always said hello. And I always came out of his office with a very positive feeling. My condolences to his family and friends. Ed Kirk 2009-07-24 06:38:05

B0b amd Ada May Fearon wish to send their sincere sympathies to Jeanette and all of her family. We liked Art, and always had a good time when we saw him. He had a jest for life and shared his joy with others. May all the happy memories you shared with Art surface to give you comfort and strength! Dear Jeanette, We have many ha 2009-07-24 07:01:43

I worked with Art for many years at Oneida Ltd. He was an exceptional sales manager and a true pleasure to work with. Art was a man who brought much wisdom and laughter during sales meetings. We wish Jennifer and the entire Kidd family our sincere condolence for their loss. Art will be in our prayers. The Moher Family Bob & Kathy Moher 2009-07-24 07:46:34

God Bless You All I would like to express my sincere sympathy to all of the Kidd family. You have all been very special as I have gotten to know each of you through Kathy. God loves you, He is in control of all things, and may His peace, His comfort, His joy and His perfect will be a special blessing to each of you during this time. I am thankful I had Kathy on my team and through her came to know Mr. Kidd. To me he was the perfect gentleman and I always enjoyed my time with him, though not very often he left a lasting impression. The fact that he reared so many wonderful children who have such integrity and highest of character speaks multitudes about Mr. Kidd. I know he will be missed and I pray his life will continue on through those who loved him. God Bless Charlotte Peterson 2009-07-24 09:15:18

Blessings and Sympathy to All Dear "J", Kathy, Chris and the Kidd family: We will always remember Art with fond thoughts. I loved hearing his stories, reading his opinions and appreciated the love he had for his family. We hope the pain you feel now will be replaced by the happy memories and the many gifts of love he gave. It took a special guy to help nuture such a great family! Keeping you in our thoughts, Steve, Fonda and Zach The Watson Family 2009-07-24 13:31:18

Our prayers are with you Our sincerest condolences to Mr. Kidd's family and friends. Our prayers our with them and with the soul of Mr. Kidd. Pax Christi. The Walsh Family Dr. John Walsh and Family 2009-07-24 21:02:34

our sincere condolences to jeanette and family........i only had the pleasure of chatting with art,only at the kinsella weddings over the past few years,but found our talks very inspiring. art was a generation ahead of me, and our careers were totally opposite,but i enjoyed the great chats we had together.......we will miss him,,,,,,,greg greg and linda simchik 2009-07-25 10:47:10

Character problem. empty comment Anonymous 2009-07-26 15:58:22

" Tall in the Saddle" We can see Art riding off into the sunset. Of course, he is wearing his ten gallon hat. He leaves as his legacy a wonderful family. Our prayers go out to Jeanette and all the Kidds. Ted and Rosemary Ted and Rosemary Reinhardt 2009-07-27 05:13:41

Aunt Jeanette and the Kidds, My deepest sympathies during this difficult time. I'm very thankful I had the chance to spend time with Uncle Art. My prayers are with you Brian Brian Donegan 2009-07-27 05:26:41

So sorry to hear about your dad,I have many great memories from my childhood growing up & spending so much time at your house. It certainly will help having the support of a large family during this sad time...Take Care.Lori & Steve Blair. Lori & Steve Blair 2009-07-28 06:02:24

Please convey my condolences to the family of Arthur Kidd. I knew Art and Jeannette well when they lived and Oneida and I know he will be greatly missed. Sincerely, Mary DuChene Mary DuChene 2009-07-28 06:03:40

On behalf of the Lyons Family, we would like to extend our deepest sympathies on the dealth of your husband and father. We all have fond memories as neighbors and classmates and of growing up in Oneida together. Where does the time go? I see Jennifer on occasion in the grocery store shopping, so am thinking of you. You have a wonderful family and you are in our thoughts and prayers. We send our best, Anne Lyons Thoma, MaryAlice Lyons, Patty, John and Jimmy. Anne, MaryAlice, Patty, John a 2009-07-28 06:05:01

Jeanette, Kris, & all the Kidd family, I am so sorry about the loss of Art-He certainly was a fine man and loved by so many. I consider it an honor & blessing to have had him touch my life. What a fine man he was! See you soon. Andy Andy 2009-07-28 06:05:55

Hi Jeannette & Family, Our prayers are with you during this time. We really miss the good old days and wish you still lived on Grove Street. All the neighbors on our end go away summer and winter, and it is a quiet street . Remember the basketball games? We will never forget Art. He was fun to talk with and always has an interesting story. May God bless Art ! Mike and Julie McCormick 2009-07-28 06:06:57

Dear Kidd Family, So sorry to hear about your dad. I can't think about my childhood without memories of the " Kidd kids". We had such fun growing up on Grove street.Sleding behind Burke's house, exploring the minibrook and just playing on the street with all the neighbors.Mr. and Mrs. Kidd and the seven Kidd kids are a part of my I childhood I'll never forget ! Your in my thoughts and prayers,Annie Ann Dowling Byrne 2009-08-01 05:02:28

Memories I have fond memories of the Kidd parents during their visits to see Kathy in Memphis during her college days. Also remember staying with them in upstate New York, learning all about Oneida silverware, and being taken to an old-fashioned amusement park - and, of course, always good conversations! Please know you're all in my thoughts and prayers. Gail Ferguson Gail Ferguson 2009-08-03 10:48:22

Write comment
Name:
Email:	do not notifynotify
Title:
Please input the anti-spam code that you can read in the image.

Powered by !JoomlaComment 3.26

3.26 Copyright (C) 2008 Compojoom.com / Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."