Alvin Simeon Kidd, 90, of Dunedin, Florida died April 6, 2019 at his home after 5 months with pulmonary hypertension. He was born on May 19, 1928 in Madison, Wisconsin, the son of the late Alvin S. Kidd, Sr. and Avis Campbell Kidd. On April 29, 1972, he married Maureen Ann Quinn at the Orlando Naval Base. They were married for 31 years. Survivors include four children: Kathleen Kidd Wetteland, John L. Kidd, Maureen Kidd Howerton, and Donna Siegel, eight grandchildren: Daniel Wetteland, Ian Wettland, Cobe Howerton, Seth Howerton, Chris Collett, Felicia Collett, John Rowland and Laura Siegel, and ten great grandchildren: Sadie, Seth, Savannah, Hannah, Clayton, Christopher, Kaitlyn, Chance, Hayden and Rylan. Alvin was a retired decorated U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer, a retired Florida Division of Forestry Ranger and an active member of the American Legion Post #275.
He started his young adult life by joining the Merchant Marines, followed by a 21-year career in the Navy which gave him the opportunity to travel the world. Growing up in Wisconsin may have contributed to his special fondness for the northwest, Washington and Alaska. Alvin lived on both the west and east coasts of the US, residing in Hawaii and California with Florida being his longest tenure and final resting place.
He was an accomplished, talented, award-winning pen and ink artist. Although he was color blind, Alvin dabbled in watercolor paintings. Taking photos of nature, old barns and unique buildings was one of his favorite pastimes. He also took great pride in his culinary talents and loved sharing his tasty creations with his family and friends. From the outside looking in, you would never guess him to be the hostess-with-the-mostest, but he loved nothing more than being surrounded by family and friends sharing food and drinks. Alvin was multifaceted, with a love of reading and gaining knowledge. He was also a romantic and loved to pen meaningful poems to the love of his life.
His military achievements were many. To name a few: National Defense Service Award (2), Expert Pistol Shot Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Good Conduct Medal (4), Refresher Weapons Loading Course, Principles of Teaching, Weapons Loading Course, Combat Action Ribbon, Expert Rifleman Medal, and last but not least, he was an All-Navy Champion Boxer.
He had a special kind of spirituality; believing in the power and beauty of mother earth and all she has to offer. He took great care to protect her through his work in the Division of Forestry, constantly saving all kinds of animals; everything from snakes to baby skunks.
Alvin’s zest for life and will to live was incredibly strong at nearly 91 years old and of frailing body. When asked how he was, he would always reply: “I’ll be better in a few days… I always am.” In his words, “Fair winds and following seas.”
Alvin Kidd’s funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, April 26, 2019 at Bay Pines National Cemetery, 10000 Bay Pines Blvd, St. Petersburg, Florida.
