Graham Kidd was a lover of music, good food, scotch and soccer. His family is devastated that after living fifteen years with a brain tumour, Graham peacefully journeyed to another space on May 26th, 2017 at Hospice Wellington. Graham leaves behind his wife of twenty years Dorothy Vreeswyk-Kidd, his dearly loved children Noah and Sophia and his dog Emmie. He was the beloved youngest brother of Jim Kidd (Scotland), David Kidd (Hamilton), Alan Kidd (Hamilton) and Alison Kidd (Hamilton). He was also the fun uncle to many nieces and nephews and foster dad to Lions Foundation Dog Guide puppies.
He was predeceased by his parents Margaret and Henry Kidd. Graham was born on August 2nd, 1967 in Paisley, Scotland. He moved with his family to Hamilton, Canada at the tender age of 7 and continued to be proud of his Scottish heritage. He was introduced to the electric bass during elementary school and decided that music would be more important than soccer. He pursued his passion for music, studying Jazz Performance at Mohawk College, and graduated in 1990. After two years on the road playing for many different bands, Graham decided to return to school to study composition. He bought an acoustic bass, practiced hard, and was accepted to study at Wilfrid Laurier University. After graduating with a Bachelor of Music in composition in 1996, he and Dorothy married on August 17 of the same year and moved across the country to Edmonton, Alberta so Graham could begin his Masters of Music in composition at the U of A.
After graduation, Graham taught orchestration at the university. He was also the double bass teacher and conductor of the orchestra at the Victoria School of the Arts. Graham and Dorothy did not return to Ontario as planned and created a large network of friends in Edmonton. Graham’s diagnosis in 2002 did not slow him down at all. He played bass with the River City Big Band, New Edmonton Wind Sinfonia, Trocadero Orchestra, freelance gigs throughout Edmonton and maintained a private teaching studio. His day gig was with the fantastic people at National Audio Video where he was the buyer.
In 2008, the family returned to Ontario, choosing to reside in Guelph. Graham traded in his jazz hat and played with the Guelph Symphony Orchestra, the Stratford Symphony Orchestra and freelance work with RCMPI. He was fortunate to be able to be home every day for his children and their countless friends that hung out at the house after school. He also volunteered every Friday with the Canadian Cancer Society at their office and raised three Lions Foundation puppies who have forever changed the life of someone with a disability.
Graham will forever be remembered for his ability to make people feel like they were the most important person in the room. He was apologetic, kind and considerate to everyone, right up until his last moments on this earth. He loved his wife fiercely. His sense of humour was legendary and anyone who played or worked with Graham knows that spending time with him meant a great deal of laughter. His family would like to thank the Canadian Cancer Society for their support during his treatment, the Juravinski Cancer Centre, especially Dr. Hirte for keeping Graham here for so long, Dr. Pasion, Bayshore Palliative Care nurses and finally the wonderful people at Hospice Wellington.
Family will receive friends at the Gilbert Macintyre and Son Funeral Home, Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon Street Guelph on Sunday, June 4, 2017 from 5-9 pm. A celebration to commemorate Graham’s life will take place on Monday, June 5, 2017 from 7-9 PM at the Guelph Youth Music Centre, 75 Cardigan Street, Guelph. Everyone of all ages are welcome. If desired, donations in Graham’s memory made to the Lions Foundation Dog Guides of Canada or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.