Andrew Hiram Kiddie's Obituary
IN MY OWN WORDS
My Life --- Where to start?
I was born a very long time ago, August 13th, 1930, in a very small town in
Colorado. The town was so small (pop 640) that there was only one major
intersection. There was talk going around about maybe installing a traffic
signal but the City Council couldn't decide on the colors.
I was the fourth of six children, four boys and two girls. This was a great
time to be a kid if you didn't mind 20 below winters. We skied and skated
all winter, then spent the short summer months swimming and playing on the
Yampa River.
When I was 13 years old, we moved to Denver. I dropped out of school that
year and went to work at various jobs, from trimming trees to working at a
print shop. Upon turning 17, I tried to join the Navy but Mom wouldn't sign
off on it. Upon my "emancipation" the following year, I joined up and was
shipped off to San Diego for Boot Camp. Both of my older brothers were in
the Navy during WW2 so I thought that was the place for me as well. My
younger brother followed six years later.
After a short stay at Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado, I volunteered for
aviation duty and was sent to USS Boxer CV21, which was undergoing overhaul
at Hunters Point shipyard in San Francisco. I served on Boxer for about
three years, including two deployments to Korea. Then while on Christmas
leave at home in Denver, I had an auto accident and ended up in the Naval
Hospital at Great Lakes, Illinois. Upon discharge, I was sent to US Sicily
CVE 118. Another three-year tour. After a couple more trips to Korea, the
ship was decommissioned in 1954 and I had orders to Naval Air Material
Center, Philadelphia. During this time the steam-powered catapult was being
installed on various carriers and I headed up one of the teams assigned to
do the test firings after installation. I was promoted to Chief Petty
Officer and also met a young lady named Phyllis Shapiro. We wed in 1956 and
were divorced in 1976. The union produced three children; Mark, Jennifer
and Rebecca, who I love beyond description and will always be extremely
proud of!
Back to the West Coast and sea duty --- USS Essex CV9, USS Midway CVA41.
Back to shore duty, Fleet Training Center, San Diego, instructor for
Shipboard Fire Fighting. Advanced to Senior Chief.
Headed to sea once again. USS Bon Homme Richard CVA31. After three years
and several trips to Vietnam, I received orders to "Comnavairpac" -- that's
Commander Naval Air Pacific to all you landlubbers -- at North Island Naval
Air Station, San Diego. While there (two years), I was selected for Master
Chief.
Once again back to sea, last time, US Ticonderoga CVA14. One year later
(1969) I retired from the Navy and never looked back!
Went to work in a management position for Thrifty Drug Stores, lasted four
years then decided retail wasn't my thing. Got into construction and after
several years and several different companies obtained my contractor's
license and set out to remake the world!! We specialized in financial
institutions because, as Willie Sutton famously said when asked why he
robbed banks, "Because that's where the money is."
I married Vernita Worthington in 1977 and her children, Daun, Roger, Rodney
and Anita, became a very large part of my life. We have nine grandchildren
and twelve great grandkids, one of the few perks of old age.
Retired for good in 1991. My favorite thing about retirement, I don't have
a single thing to do today and I don't have to start that till noon, (except
on Thursday, house cleaning day).
I belong to a variety of organizations including ABMA (Aviation Boatswains
Mates Association), VFW, American Legion and Fleet Reserve Association and,
of course, associations related to all the ships on which I served. I enjoy
attending reunions (as long as they're close to home) and talking "Navy"
with old shipmates and making new friends.
What’s your fondest memory of Andrew?
What’s a lesson you learned from Andrew?
Share a story where Andrew's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Andrew you’ll never forget.
How did Andrew make you smile?
