Art died peacefully, with his family at his side, at 75 years of age in Windsor, Ont.
Devoted husband and best friend of Marnie (Dunlop) for over fifty years. Beloved father of Andrew, Matthew and Eunice, Garth, Benjamin & Madryn, Lucas and Connie, and Michelle and Dejan. Proud and adoring grandfather of Emily, Lucy, Liliana and Lio.
Art is survived by his sister Janet Carpenter (the late Scott), brother Geoffrey and Mary Kidd. Preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Margaret Peggy Kidd, and sisters Jo-Anne Gourlay and Judy Blackwell (the late John). Art is also survived by Marnie's siblings Ted and Nancy Dunlop, Kate Dunlop and Garth Dickinson, and Jane Dunlop. He will be dearly missed by many generations of nieces and nephews, many of whom knew him as Skip.
Born into a family of educators, Art was committed to learning, a passion that he continued through his own lifelong pursuit of learning and enthusiasm for sharing his knowledge and guiding others. Art was a proud Windsor native, dedicated to his community.
Following outstanding academic achievements throughout his elementary, secondary and undergraduate years, Art went on to pursue his medical degree at Queen's University. He also studied at the University of Windsor and the University of Toronto. Art chose to return to Windsor to establish his practice and contribute to the betterment of the medical society and community in Windsor, a city that he loved dearly. He was the first endocrinologist to practice in Windsor-Essex and went on to work in association with a number of other endocrinologists, many of whom he counted among his closest friends. Special thanks to Dr. R. Wilson, Dr. J. Shaban, and Dr. R. Cheung, his fellow endocrinologists, as well as the others who followed in their footsteps and have carried on a tradition of dedication and care. Art felt privileged to work with passionate groups of health-care professionals, whose contributions he never failed to generously acknowledge.
Over the years, he has served in several leadership roles in the Windsor-Essex medical community. He was the medical director for both adult and pediatric hospital-based diabetes clinics as well as for diabetes wellness. He also served terms as the president of the Essex County Medical Society, the chief of medicine at two city hospitals and the chief of staff of the Hotel-Dieu Grace Hospital. He was the inaugural chair of the Regional Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee for the three Essex County hospitals. He also enjoyed his work as the assistant director, learner equity and wellness, for the Windsor campus of the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry.
In November 2013, the National Awards Committee of the Canadian Diabetes Association presented Dr. Kidd with the Frederick G. Banting Award for his "tireless efforts to improve the quality of life of people living with diabetes". In 2014, he was the recipient of Lifetime Membership in the Ontario Medical Association in recognition of his career promoting health care and the profession. Also in 2014, he was a recipient of the Charles Clark Award from the University of Windsor for his efforts in the development of the Windsor Program of the Schulich School of Medicine. Art was instrumental in recruiting physicians and medical professionals who have served the people of Windsor-Essex in a way that reflects his own dedication to the profession and community.
Among his accomplishments, Art took the greatest pride and joy in the life that he and Marnie built for their family. He welcomed any opportunity to share stories about his children and grandchildren, each of whom has felt his unwavering love and support. While he loved his work, his family was his priority. A gifted storyteller, Art had an enthusiastic laugh and made friends everywhere he went. Art's passions included reading, gardening, camping, fishing, and watching the Montreal Canadiens, all of which he loved to share with his family and friends. He was a mentor, father figure, and endless source of advice, wisdom and empathy to those closest to him.
Art's family would like to extend their sincere and heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the dedicated medical and health-care team who worked tirelessly to provide excellent and compassionate care during his sudden, brief illness.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry Windsor Program, at Western University; attention Kendra Lealess, Western University, Westminster Hall, Suite 110, 1151 Richmond St. London, ON N6A 3K7 (cheques payable to Western University) or by calling 519-661-4200.