Obituary

Donald James KIDD of Naramata BC passed on September 4, 2021.  Born Victoria BC on January 3, 1930, second of three sons born to Harry and Lorna Kidd of Bamberton BC on Vancouver Island, a small BC Cement Company town. Predeceased by wife Mona September 2011 after 58 Joyous years of marriage, son Donald also brothers Ken and Lorne. Survived by daughter Lorna (Bob), sons Laurie (Lorri), David (Janice) and five grandchildren, Amy (Justin), Greg (Lorilee), Morgan, Carrie and Gayle. Don spent the first seven years of schooling in the one room schoolroom in Bamberton under the tutelage of its single schoolteacher. The family moved to Victoria so that the boys could receive a broader education in the school system.  After graduating with honors, Don continued his formal education with several night school courses until he began his first full time employment with the Ministry of Finance, Treasury Branch with the British Columbia Government. After several years Don began his career with the Government Agents Office, in Penticton before moving to Prince Rupert where he met and married Mona Mutch.  They then moved onto Terrace, Cranbrook and finally Pouce Coupe. While in Pouce Coupe, Don transferred to the Ministry of Attorney General around 1960 and accepted an appointment as  Entrepreneur Sherriff (prior to the modern creation of Sheriff Services), with responsibilities for all the area of northern BC within the old County of Cariboo. From Prince George to the Yukon Border. In 1967 he was appointed as a Provincial Court Judge and Coroner responsible for the City of Dawson Creek, along with other communities in the large immediate geographical area.

With the formation of the Court Services Branch of the Attorney General Ministry when the Government assumed responsibility for all Provincial and Municipal Court Matters in 1974, he became a member of the Provincial Court Services Policy Board responsible for implementing the new structure. This newly created position included the responsibility for the development of the modern Sheriff Services as we know it today. More transfers were required to Prince George and finally Kamloops where Don opted for “early” retirement in 1987 after more than 40 years of service to the Province of BC.

Don and Mona made one final move to their dream location overlooking Okanagan Lake in beautiful Naramata BC. Despite having grown up in a large city, Don was always attracted to the appeal of small town life.  He loved the magic of being involved in all aspects of this life and actively participated in a variety of sporting evens such as baseball, fastball, football, bowling, curling and golf.  Don was an avid hunter and gardener; moose meat, grouse and home grown vegetables were staples at the family dinner table.

Don also recognized the importance of belonging and participating with local service clubs.  Having made many relocations during his life, Don took pleasure in his lifetime participation in the Royal Canadian Legion and particularly the Elks.  These organizations and activities allowed Don to develop numerous life long friendships.  Don was especially loyal and passionate with his membership in the Elks of Canada.  Beginning with the Provincial Executive of the BC Elks and ultimately leading to his ascension through the National Executive culminating in his election as the Grand Exalted Ruler of all Elks Lodges throughout Canada, he thoroughly enjoyed his membership of over 60 years and was ultimately rewarded with a lifetime membership. They say that life is a journey, and Don would say he had a heck of a trip. Don will be interred together with Mona and his son Donnie, in the Naramata Cemetery at a private family service. A Celebration of Life will be held 2:00pm Wednesday Sept 29 at the Penticton Elks Hall 343 Ellis Street. Please contact the family prior to attending to allow them to conform to prevailing Covid Protocol and Occupancy rules.