Although Bill sketched and painted with water colors, from time to timer perhaps Bill's most amazing talent was oil painting. Again, despite never having had a formal lesson, Bill painted a number of paintings, that grace the wails of homes of many of his loved ones. Several of these paintings having come to the attention of certain periodical publications were reproduced and placed upon a number of their issue covers. The following excerpts are just two of the editorial notes from the ‘Cactus and Succulent Journa1’ in reference to Bill's artwork. ‘No journal cover has brought more complimentary comments than the September/October cover by Mr. Kidd” and this comment; “We are very pleased to be able to present in this issue two of the excellent oil paintings of our favorite desert artist, Bill. Kidd of Lakewood, CA.”
In Bill's early adulthood he built a habitat for his collection of tropical birds. These birds included finches, parakeets, cockatiels, and toucans. Later he developed a keen interest in tropical fish, at one point maintaining seven fish tanks at one time. Of all Bill’s hobbies most would identify his collecting, raising and hybridizing of plants as his most conspicuous. His plant collection constituted many rare and exotic species from South Africa, Madagascar, Mexico and the South Western United States.
In spite of Bill’s many accomplishments by far his greatest legacy is the love he felt for his family and they for him. Bill and Alice are the parents of five children, the twins Luana and Marsonna, Diana, Bill and Greg. They all have wonderful memories of his goodness.
Luana recalls and often tells friends and acquaintances of the counsel that her father would give on moral issues such as the individuals responsibility on politics and voting, being financially independent and living the law of chastity.
Marsonna has more recent memories and feels blessed to have had the opportunity to have lived nearby during six of the last twelve months of her fathers life. She recalls the compassionate way in which he cared for an ailing mother and wife. He juggled so many reponsibilities with a Christ like demeanor while his own health was on the decline. Re found time to develop a relationship with his grandchildren, spoiling them with pizza, hamburgers and ice cream. However, Marsonna's most treasured memories are of the hours which she spent workinq with her father in the yard while enjoying numerous conversations on a variety of topics.
Diana, has so many memories of her dad as a loving father and grandfather working with him along with her sisters and brothers on home improvements which have helped her a great deal. He has given her the opportunity of learning hands on many skills. She remembers the many talents he displayed as an artist, and the many beautiful things that he brought into the world through his eyes and hands. She loves him so very much.
His son, Bill, remembers that many years ago his dad had placed an ad in the classifieds to sell a tractor. Three weeks later he finally got a phone call, the gentleman offered nineteen hundred dollars, as there were no other offers he agreed verbally to this price. it would take several days for the fellow to get the money to finalize the deal. A day later he got another phone call, this man would pay twenty nine hundred for the tractor, though the decision was agonizing, he knew what he needed to do. several days later the deal was finalized as dad received a check for nineteen hundred dollars. Though there was a thousand dollars less in his pocket, his integrity remained intact an example for the few who knew of the events.
His other son Greg shared Bill's appreciation of music. He fondly remembers Bill's later years when they both would talk about all aspects of music, spending much time listening to and analyzing its many styles. Together, they composed and recorded in Bill’s home studio. Greg recalls the ease in which his father composed and arranged beautiful melodies, how the music seemed to flow out through his fingers, and how much fun they had recording each individual part. Greg believes his father’s legacy will live on in his many wonderful recordings and in his artwork that will be passed down from generation to generation and stand as testament to his creative genius.
His wife, Alice, has many loving memories of Bill. The last two weeks, though very stressfull brought calm and peace to her. His great strength was evident as he worked to see that her physical and financial needs would be met. Bill’s spiritual growth became apparent as he accepted his prognosis. His desire to have his wife and family with him eternally were his greatest concerns. He was in awe of the atoning sacrifice Jesus made for all mankind. The distances traveled by his many relatives during this time attest of the love and respect they have for him. With faith we look forward to the not so distant future when we can meet and talk with him again.

Contributed by son William.

Contributed by son William.

Contributed by son William.