Lee Keven Tidmore

Lee Keven Tidmore enjoyed a lifelong love affair with the sea. From his victories in local sailing regattas to his transoceanic crewing adventures to his achievements offshore as one of the youngest derrickmen on a drilling rig, the sea called to him, and on October 27, 2026 at the age of 66, Lee took his final voyage – the ultimate one.

The son of Trelles and Janice Lewis Tidmore, Lee is survived by his two sons Joshua and Nicholas Tidmore, his brother Clay Tidmore, nieces Stacy and Shelby Tidmore, his sister Jamie Tidmore Dey and nieces Lindsey and Danielle Dey and nephew Mathew Dey.

Son of an Air Force pilot, Lee was born in San Antonio, Texas in 1960, where his father was stationed. Returning home to Louisiana, Lee grew up in Metairie and River Ridge, moving to Slidell in his high school years. Lee attended De La Salle and St. Paul’s, graduating from Pearl River High School.

From an early age, Lee loved to sail. He raced, prams, lasers, and whatever boat crews he could join. He excelled in his sailing skills, winning many races. He was most proud of his victories in the annual Sugar Bowl Regattas. Following high school, Lee established himself working offshore on oil rigs. Starting quite literally at the bottom, working his way on the drill floor, and eventually Lee’s dedication and work ethic promoted him to serve as the one of the youngest derrickmen in the Gulf by age 20.

Wanting to settle down and have a family led Lee back onshore where his long-time interest in cars led to a career in the business of automobile sales and financing for many years. Based in Slidell, Lee both worked hard to provide for his family and engaged in his great joys of hunting and fishing.

As his sons grew up, Lee had his fill of the automobile industry, and he used his meticulous insight to do independent insurance claims adjusting that kept him traveling throughout the United States. His private adjustment work provided the evidence that many homeowners used to receive just claims from their underwriters after natural disasters occurred.

For much of his life, and especially in these last few years, there were struggles that may have been evident to those looking in from the outside. Yet, even through Lee’s struggles, something began to change. He slowly began to seek a deeper connection with his family.

In his final weeks, Lee opened his heart and allowed himself to grow, to understand, and to embrace the possibility of a new beginning and a deeper relationship with Christ as well as his loved ones. As his faith and trust grew more apparent, it became increasingly clear that Lee wanted a fresh start, and he began his final voyage with forgiveness—not only extending it to others, but learning to offer it to himself as well. Through it all, it was clear that God was at work in his heart.

From the moment he entered the hospital, there seemed to be something special happening. Nurses and technicians, sometimes with no particular reason other than feeling drawn to him, would stop by his room. They came to check on him, connect with him, share a moment, and pray with him. In those encounters, all present were reminded that God’s presence lived with him, even in the most difficult moments.

In Lee’s final minutes, although he was afraid, a peace surrounded him that he had rarely experienced previously. It was as though, after so much searching and so many struggles, he had finally begun to find the forgiveness and connection for which his heart had long-longed.

Lee’s family invites relatives and friends to a visitation at noon on November 6 followed by a funerary mass at Lake Lawn Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans. Internment will occur later that day at the family tomb in Metairie Cemetery.