Kevin Ridings

      Kevin Ridings was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed him to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, he possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Kevin always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Kevin was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

       His parents were Robert and Patricia. Kevin was raised in Murphysboro, Illinois and Iraan, Texas. Always able to express himself well, Kevin possessed strong interpersonal skills. He was optimistic in his outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in his communication. Armed with a great wit, Kevin was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.

      Blessed with a balanced attitude, Kevin was able to relate well with others. His occasional role as family mediator gave him the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. Kevin was raised with three siblings. He had older sisters Kendra and Kelly, and younger brother Kameron. Kevin had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.

      As a young child, Kevin showed his creative ability in many ways. He was outgoing and animated. Kevin enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. He took part in baseball.

      When the goal of college was in sight, it became important to Kevin. Again, his direct, “down to earth” approach served him well. He was able to absorb complex concepts and had an acute sense of how things worked. Kevin enjoyed learning and working on computers and knew both software and hardware maintenance.

      Friends and acquaintances found Kevin an easy man to get to know, and those close to him would often praise his open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Kevin was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for what they were. Some of the closest people to him were his Army buddies that served with him in Germany, friends from Kentucky and the people that he met at the Gillis Long Center. There were several helping hands that aided his family in a loving outpour since the initial diagnosis these helping hands should know that all tasks and prayers were known and appreciated by him and the family and will never be forgotten.

       Kevin was attentive to Susan's feelings, and he charmed Susan and others with his gift for being able to give freely and generously. A good listener with an engaging personality, Kevin was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship.

      Very much like a kid himself, Kevin identified with the inquisitive and creative side of his children’s personalities. He was able to direct his energy and spontaneity towards helping his children acquire added common sense skills. Kevin was blessed with three, one son, Justin, and two daughters Amanda and Kaitlin. They were also blessed with one grandchild, Kyleigh Rae.

      Kevin was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Kevin’s strengths included being able to think on his feet. He could be a leader who sought impact for his decisions. Gifted with an incredible ability to read body language, Kevin was able to positively manipulate situations and motivate others in order to get a task completed. He was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Kevin could multi-task, and he was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing him to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in his work environment. His primary occupation was Grounds Superintendent at the Gillis W. Long Center. He was employed for 16 years by The State of Louisiana Military Department.

      Kevin was an Army veteran. Kevin was a cool thinker who could handle himself well in a crisis. He was a 19D Calvary Scout for 9 years and spent much of his military service stationed in Germany, although he was stationed stateside at Fort Stewart, GA and Fort Polk, LA for a period of time. Kevin saw action in Bosnia-Herzegovina Supporting Operation JOINT ENDEAVOR. He achieved the rank of Seargent, E-5 (Louisiana State Guard, E-7, Sergeant First Class). He received several awards including a Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (2nd Award), Army Lapel Button, Army Good Conduct Medal (2nd Award), National Defense Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer's Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd Award), NATO Medal, Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver-W Bar. He showed leadership qualities and could make tough decisions when he was called upon to do so.

      Kevin enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that he did. He put this creativity toward all of his pastimes. His favorite pursuits were football, fishing, hunting, and golfing. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Because he liked to take risks, Kevin was a perfect match for athletics and exercise. He was enthusiastic and confident about these activities. In high school, Kevin played baseball. Recreational sports included repelling, intense physical training (Master Of Fitness), One of the leaders of the Ranger Platoon at Youth Challenge Program. Kevin was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Top on his list was football, GO COWBOYS! And GEAUX TIGERS!

      Kevin held close traditional values and as a result, faith was important to him. He was a devoted member of Healing Place Church.

      Kevin’s natural leadership qualities placed him in consideration for public recognition, earning him accolades for his many and varied efforts throughout his life. Some of the job titles he held while living in Louisiana include Youth Challenge Program Cadre (Pineville), Shift Supervisor and Assistant Commandant, Job Challenge Commandant, Job Corps Center Student Personnel Officer and Director of Residential Living, Post Sergeant Major and Grounds Superintendent (Carville).

      Travel and vacations were experiences that Kevin truly enjoyed. He preferred to seek out excitement wherever he went and he was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” He was willing to leave his plans open and flexible, just in case something more interesting came along. Favorite vacations included Gulf Shores, Alabama, Spain, Belgium, France, London, Disney & Universal Studios in Orlando, visiting family in Kentucky, Illinois, Georgia, Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania, cruises to Jamaica and Mexico.

      Kevin was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Kevin’s favorites was Jasmine and Teddy, both Yorkies. They were best friends for 14 years and 6 years. He enjoyed his Koi fish and wanted several. It took a lot to keep him from traveling to the Koi farm to get more, he loved picking just the right ones for his pond.

      Kevin passed away on October 10, 2013 at his residence on Kathy Street in Gonzales, Louisiana. Kevin fought a brave battle against cancer. He fought to return home from the hospital, recover and return to work after each of his four surgeries. Through intense radiation and chemotherapy he worked in the sun, in the heat of the summer in Louisiana! A champion of all he did, Kevin will be remembered for his fighting spirit. He is survived by his loving wife, Susan, children Justin, Amanda and Kaitlin; his granddaughter Kyleigh; mother, Patricia Crandall; father and stepmother, Robert and Mary Ridings; two sisters and one brother-in-law, Kelly Rees and Kendra and Ken Walker; one brother, Kameron Ridings; maternal grandmother, Imogene Swetland; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Eva and David Wickham; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Services were held at Ourso Funeral Home in Gonzales, LA.

      Kevin was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A concrete communicator, he relied on his senses to increase his involvement and awareness of others. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. If Kevin had a theme song written about him, it might well have been “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” He enjoyed his life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Kevin Ridings.

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A native of Murphysboro, IL and resident of Gonzales, he passed away on Thursday, October 10, 2013. He was 48 years old and a Grounds Superintendent for the Gillis W. Long Center. He is survived by his loving wife, Susan Jane Wickham-Ridings; two daughters, Amanda and Kaitlin Ridings; son, Justin Cotham-Burton; granddaughter, Kyleigh Rae Andre; mother, Patricia Crandall; father and stepmother, Robert and Mary Ridings; two sisters and one brother-in-law, Kelly Rees and Kendra and Ken Walker; one brother, Kameron Ridings; maternal grandmother, Imogene Swetland; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Eva and David Wickham; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends; and his canine companion, Teddy. Preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Frank Swetland; and paternal grandparents, Donald and Bessie Ridings. A memorial gathering will be held at Ourso Funeral Home, Gonzales on Monday, October 14, 2013 from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. A memorial service will be held at 3:30 p.m. followed by a celebration of life, where friends and family are invited to tell stories and memories shared with Kevin. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Luke Corsten, Dr. Jon Olsen, and Dr. Maurice King of Mary Bird Perkins, to the nursing staff of Our Lady of the Lake and of Perkins Rowe Neuromedical, to the leadership and employees of the Gillis W. Long Center, and to all the others that touched and enriched Kevin’s life. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.oursofh.com.