Earl F Kidd

Earl F. Kidd was born to parents Emmett and Margaret (Fosdick) Kidd on June 13th, 1931, in Klamath Falls, Oregon. He had three siblings – two sisters, Alice and Helen; and a brother Daniel. Daniel died at the age of three. Earl was six years old when his family moved from Klamath Falls to Portland. Earl resided in Portland for his entire life. He attended Benson High School.

Following High School, Earl entered the US Navy and served for four years during the Korean War. He was a first class petty officer. His time in the Navy afforded earl the opportunity to see the world. He visited many countries and peoples and he fondly recalled many wonderful encounters and stories during his time abroad. Following his time in the Navy, Earl served for four years in the National Guard.

Earl exchanged wedding vows with Lorene Chitwood on February 21st, 1953 in Stevenson, Washington. They had three children – a daughter, Julie; and two sons, Craig and Philip. Earl’s main occupation was as a sheet metal worker and welder. He served many companies and worked on countless welding projects during his career including a time with Thompson Sheet Metal on Swan Island.

In his spare time, Earl enjoyed going to garage sales and finding old and broken down lawnmowers. He would take them home, work on them and get them running good as new, and sell them. He “reborned” countless mowers over the years and took great satisfaction and pride in bringing new life to something that otherwise could have just been discarded. Earl also enjoyed antiques - he knew a great deal about old cars. He also liked to watch TV shows featuring antiques or cars. Earl also wrote poetry. Earl was keenly interested in others - one of his favorite things to do was to just talk to people and share stories and ideas. He will be remembered as a very personable fellow and someone who had the “gift of gab”. He made friends easily and was a sociable and fun person to be around.

Earl is predeceased by his parents; his brother Daniel; and sisters Alice Mahoney and Helen Heem. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Lorene; sons Craig and Philip; daughter Julie; three grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.

A celebration of Earl’s life will take place in Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, June 22nd at 1pm. Earl will be laid to rest in Skyline Memorial Gardens garden of the Nativity.