GLADYS EVELYN KIDD (HASTINGS)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

GLADYS EVELYN KIDD (nee HASTINGS) April 6, 1907 - September 8, 2000 Memorial Service, Saturday, September 23, 1:30 PM, Knox United Church, 451-18th St., Brandon. Gladys passed away peacefully on Friday, September 8, 2000, after a brief stay at the Assiniboine Centre in Brandon. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Garth and Edna Kidd of London, ON, Glen and Evelyn Kidd of Ottawa, Valorie and Bob Ward of Winnipeg; and also by her grandchildren, Jon Kidd of Parry Sound, Dale and Nancy (van Campenhout) Kidd of Mechelen, Belgium, Warren and Annika (Ericsson) Kidd of Ottawa, Michael and Vickie (Vinaric) Kidd of Vancouver, Andrea (Kidd) and Philip Poole of Ottawa, Ian Kidd of Toronto, Jason and Amanda (Stephens) Ward of Winnipeg, and Matthew Ward of Winnipeg. Her memory will be cherished by great-grandchildren, Charlotte and Eve Kidd of Vancouver and William and Graham Poole. Gladys was predeceased in 1963 by her husband Howard Vincent Kidd, and by her brother Russell, an RAF pilot lost over the Mediterranean in 1943. She is survived by sister-in law Mary Robinson of Port Alberni and nieces, Marlane Thomas of Winnipeg and Fern Gibson of Port Alberni. Gladys was born April 6, 1907, in Rouleau, SK, the daughter of Hugh and Elinora (nee Reichert) Hastings. Her father was an implement dealer in the Rouleau area and later homesteaded in Meadow Lake, SK. She attended school in Rouleau and Regina. In 1924 she enrolled in the Arts program at Brandon College as a member of the class of 28; however, she interrupted her studies at the end of second year to attend Regina Normal School. In a practice that was common for her generation, she combined teaching with further university studies as finances allowed. She graduated from the University of Manitoba (Winnipeg) with a Bachelor of Arts in 1932. Her first teaching post was in the one room school of Connaught S.D. No. 51 in Meyronne, SK, in 1927. She later moved to Regina where she taught under principal M. J. Coldwell. Her marriage to Howard Vincent Kidd was a genuine love story. They met while attending a mixer at the opening of the summer school session of 1930 at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg. By both accounts, it was instant love-at-first-sight and led to an enduring lifelong partnership. Vincent began Ph.D. studies at University College in London, England, in 1931 and following the last day of school in 1933, Gladys travelled to London, where they were married on July 19. Over the following 13 years, Gladys and Vincent lived in Stockton, Liverpool, and Birmingham (England), and Montreal, as Vincent pursued a career as an industrial chemist. Their final move was to Brandon in 1946 where Vincent accepted a post as head of the Chemistry Department at Brandon University (then Brandon College). This final move brought them closer to family and to prairie roots. Brandon College of the 40s and 50s was very much a family of students and faculty. Gladys enjoyed participating as a faculty wife in college functions and in entertaining staff and students. There are many who will remember tea or coffee in the front room or the kitchen of the house on 13th Street. Following her husbands sudden death in 1963, Gladys accepted a position at Brandon University as Manager of the Bookstore, a position she held until her retirement in 1972. She enjoyed this late career and the opportunity it provided to maintain her connection to Brandon University and to meet each year the new and returning students. Art and music were important to Gladys. During her years in England she took full advantage of the opportunities offered by the museums and concert halls. Gifted with a fine eye for design and a love of working with her hands, she took up ceramics as a hobby shortly after the move to Brandon. An avid reader and active participant in workshops in Brandon, Winnipeg, and Toronto, she developed an extensive library on ceramics and pottery and an expert knowledge of glazing and firing techniques. She was always happy to share her passion and her knowledge with other potters and with students. With Vincent, Gladys participated in the creation of the Brandon Allied Arts Center (now the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba) at its first home on Louise Avenue. She was keenly involved with the Allied Arts Center during the formative period, and for a number of years she taught pottery classes and directed the ceramics program. Gladys was a longtime subscriber to the Symphony Series in Brandon from which she derived great pleasure. In the early 60s, she was responsible for organizing the subscriptions needed to bring the Jeunesses Musicales concerts to Brandon for several seasons. Gladys was a member of First Church United on 8th Street and later Central United. Despite increasing difficulty with reading, her Bible was always a great source of comfort to her. During the last 20 years of her life, Gladys was challenged by a number of health problems. A determined and independent spirit, she was able to work around these problems and managed to remain in her home and in charge of her life until the end. This would not have been possible without the caring, dedicated, and competent services of the staff at the Home Care and We-Care offices in Brandon. Gladys family and friends would like to extend their gratitude to all those who have worked with Mom to help her make this happen. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba, 638 Princess Ave., Brandon, MB R7A 0P3, or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 203-42 McTavish Ave. E., Brandon, MB R7A 2B2.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 16, 2000