Terry Kidd was a remarkable man. A gentle man, he approached life with patience, kindness and good humor. He passed away on 1 September 2022 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s, surrounded by family.
James Terry Kidd was born 21 January 1943 in St. Anthony, Idaho, to Austin Fern and Mary Elizabeth Davidson Kidd. The third of nine children, Dad spent his youth in Ashton, Idaho, and graduated from Pocatello High School. He married the love of his life, Gloria Wickham, in the Logan Utah Temple in 1970 and was the proud father of six children. He had a great love for his family, both immediate and extended; he looked forward with eagerness to annual family reunions and was happiest spending time with his kids and grandkids.
Dad loved to learn and believed a successful life was equal parts work and play. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Utah State University, and a Master of Arts degree in Mathematics Education from Johns Hopkins University. His many different career endeavors ranged from teaching high school and college math to owning and operating his own small business. When not working, Dad loved music and he loved John Denver. Some of our favorite memories are of Dad playing his guitar for family sing-alongs. He also loved playing games, enjoying nature, and playing disc golf, always with family close by.
Dad was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was stalwart in his faith. He served as a church missionary in Southern California and was proud of the missionary service performed by his sons, sons-in law and grandchildren. He attended the temple often when he was able and taught his children to love the temple for the connections it made with family on both sides of the veil.
Terry is survived by Gloria, his wife of 52 years; his children: Brandon (Stacie); Tiffani (Jared) Wandell; Jeremy (Heather); Chelsi (Ben) Kroff; Tyler (Katie); John Cameron (Cassie); 22 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, as well as two sisters and four brothers. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, and a sister.
A Celebration of Life will be held 24 September 2022 at 2 pm in the cultural hall of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse located at 5017 W Grand View Peak Drive, Herriman, Utah. Attendees are invited to share a short personal memory or experience. Those attending are invited to come in comfortable and casual attire as we join to celebrate Terry's life.
The world needs more Terry Kidds. Flowers are nice, but if you really want to honor Dad, do something nice for someone. Serve someone. Say a kind word to someone. Express sincere gratitude for the people in your life. Sing a John Denver song as loud as you can. And when life gets dark and anger seems the easier response, offer forgiveness and respect with no expectation that it will be returned. That is Dad’s legacy, and your life, and the world, will be the better for it.
To watch the services and to attend virtually, please use the "Watch Services" link above.
So sorry to hear of Terry’s passing. He is a choice, genuine, one of a kind great man. Prayers to you and your family.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you! Brother Kidd was an amazing man with such a strong testimony. Heaven got a special angel! We love you!
So sorry for your loss. I so loved reading his obituary. He had an amazing life! And left and incredible legacy for his family.
Uncle Terry was always such a kind soul and reminded me so much of Grandpa Fern. I will always be grateful that I got to see him at Hawley Creek last summer. He will be so missed - the world needs more humans like him. All my love to the family.
Terry was my first brother, 15 months younger than me. We grew up together and had many adventures together. He was everything little brothers are-a great playmate, sometimes a nuisance I could barely tolerate and a wonderful adult friend I admired and loved so very much. He was a wonderful, gentle man and will be missed by all of us. This tribute is lovely and so accurate.
I and mine and Bill’ family send our deepest regrets. Bill, too, suffered from dimentia. Beautiful souls so early taken.!
I’m so sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family. Terry was an amazing man.
Oh Tiffani, my heart had been with you this month. I have wanted to embrace you in a hug and tell you what a sweet friend told me just a few months ago. "It's never easy losing your dad no matter how old he is. Cooking to the memories and you will get through." I love you! Love all of you. My sincerest condolences.
~ Heather Austad Cannon
Later in life, I did not have the fortune of seeing Uncle Terry much. Life is funny that way sometimes, letting opportunities go by thinking, next year perhaps. And then a person is suddenly gone and you regret that you weren’t better at staying connected to family.
Most of my memories of Uncle Terry are from my younger years, but I have great memories from past reunions as an adult that I look back on happily as well. I lived with Terry, Gloria and family for short bit in my teenage years. I remember always feeling like love was in their home, and appreciate that they were patient and kind to me. Uncle Terry always made me feel welcome around him and his family. It’s hard to find words to describe the appreciation you have for who someone was, and how they made you feel…..so I’ll just say that I will miss Terry….and I have very fond (and only good) memories of him. To Gloria, the kids and their kids, etc….my sincere condolences. Love you all