Patrick Shane Kidd

Patrick Shane Kidd died on the 42nd anniversary of his birth, this on Sunday morning, October 15th. This was after he received a diagnosis, now well more than two years ago, of stage four cancer. His death was as gracious as was his life. Known by his Christian name, and not an abbreviation, he was, quite simply, "Patrick" to a great many who loved him. Patrick will be forever remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, and his even greater quick wit. He was early on an apprentice to his father, this in masonry work. Examples of this team effort will long survive both men. His special calling was in finished carpentry. He was sought after for work throughout the entire Western Slope of Virginia. However, his work in renovations was in no way limited to Virginia. Rather, he worked on homes in redesign, this in the entire Sacramento Valley of California, but also back East, in Washington, D.C. For many years, his stewardship extended to the Springwood section of Botetourt County. There he ran a 128 acre tree farm. More relevant, he managed the 1899 Farm Victorian, which was originally the Farrell homestead, later known as "Dribble Creek", a name the owner, Bert Buford, inherited. As with Patrick's family, there were twelve Farrell siblings: each one born in this house. Patrick owed the recent good quality of his life to Augusta Health's Cancer Center. In the end, it was the Rockbridge Area Hospice which was there for him. Their care allowed Patrick to live and die at home. Sherri Hartless, R.N., Patrick's nurse, is the living embodiment of a modern day saint. With Bert, she was bedside on the 15th, to attend Patrick's every need. She, also, helped this very large and very diverse family address the inherent emotional issues of death: among siblings from the San Francisco Bay Area to the Atlantic Ocean, and many states in between. So many have asked, what can they do at this time. The family, each member, is now collecting stories of Patrick's life. They are thus asking for anyone who wishes, to send a note describing their life and wonderful times with Patrick. For ease, you can simply drop a note to his postal box addressed thus: Patrick Kidd, Post Office Box 220, Natural Bridge Station, Virginia 24579. You can (there, still) write to Patrick or his family. Patrick Shane Kidd was born in Rockbridge County on October 15, 1975, to Robert Lee Kidd, Sr. and Anne Marie Schneider Kidd. Except for his brother, Shawn Kidd (aka, Shane Kidd) Patrick was the youngest of twelve siblings, two of whom predeceased him. Now with Patrick's sister, Victoria Kidd, she and Shane are the only siblings who remain in Glasgow. He is, of course, the beloved uncle to his Glasgow nephews, the children of "Brother Shane" and his wife, Leanna Nichole Rodgers Kidd. Getting this family together is not easy. Nonetheless, since many have asked, they are considering at least one open Celebration of Patrick's Life, this at a later date, please, no flowers. Again, they are available via the postal box, above. You know, and so many, in the end know how they were there for Patrick. So many loved him, in such special ways. Each day brings the news of yet another distant family member or friend who helped Patrick. His Virginia family wishes simply to say, thanks! In the end, Patrick became a "Botetourt Boy". Appropriately, Botetourt Funeral Home was also helpful in seeing (at the very end) that his death was with dignity.