James Randolph (Randy) Kidd, DVM, PhD left this life on January 15, 2024.
Randy never met a stranger, and always shared his humor for life. He was a shepherd for all of nature, caring for and protecting the great outdoors and its animals. He believed in taking a walk
every morning to greet the sun. He encouraged his creative mind by writing and teaching. Most importantly, The Great One, (a nickname he earned from great nieces and nephews) was a
wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle, and mentor to many. His greatest joy was supporting their successes.
Born in 1942, to Col. James and Helen Fullerton Kidd at Randolph Field, Texas, Randy would say, “they named Randolph Field after me.” He lived life seeking challenges and sharing this
love of life in the many places he called home.
A natural leader and encourager, he served as president or leader of most of the organizations he chose to support including: the Lancaster High School Class of 1960, veterinary student
groups, community service clubs, bird and wildlife conservation groups, and writers’ associations.
Randy excelled as a student and football player at Iowa State University. His career included many pursuits in a variety of fields: Veterinarian; Veterinary Pathologist; Chiropractor of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Acupuncturist, and Homeopathist; Commercial Flight Instructor; and Pilot for United Air Lines. He was also journalist and published author for publications including Runners’ World, Mother Earth News, Kansas Magazine, journals of Veterinary medicine, and multiple “how to” articles. His memoir, Nature Walking with Cancer, will be released soon.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sue Stratton Kidd; daughters, Kris (Rob) Shaw, Karen (Jeff) Frey, and Kimberly (Kevin) Muff. Grandchildren Zach Shaw, Bret (Tara) Shaw and Grant
(Morgan) Shaw; Madelyn (Eric) Parsons and Connor Frey; Alexandra (Jake) Doller, Skyler (Oistin) McCaughan, and Taylor Muff. Great grandchildren Rowen Shaw; Jordy, Mason, Drew and Reese Doller; Sophia Shaw; and one great grandchild on the way. Randy is also survived by his favorite sisters Sandra Blackburn and Jenny Mann, great niece Traci (Eric) Mahler and many great nieces and nephews.
Randy truly lived his motto: Reuniting the Human Spirit with the Soul of Nature.
A gathering will be held for Randy Kidd on June 7, 2024, at Branchwood Village Cooperative, 651 Branchwood Dr, Lawrence, from 4p-5p. The Celebration of Life will follow at the same location from 5p-6p.
For donations in Randy’s name, please give your time, talent, or contribution to the charity of your choice.
