Robert David Kidder

After a long battle with Lymphoma, Robert passed on July 11, 2010 into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Robert was born in Tacoma WA on March 25, 1946 to Robert and Julia Kidder and grew up in Roseburg Oregon. Robert attended Roseburg High, Umpqua Community College and Oregon Technology Institute, graduating with honors. Robert had an active childhood, was a paperboy, and a Boy Scout and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a member of the local Gun Club and enjoyed black powder shooting.

Robert was fascinated with engineering and science and his sisters said the house was much warmer when he converted the family furnace into his private foundry. We are not sure the parents knew the furnace served a dual purpose, but Robert had fun and learned a lot about metallurgy.

Robert started work at the Hanford Project in 1967 and was very excited with the technical opportunities. Robert was proud and grateful to receive a Rotary Scholarship and study Engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa for a year. After his studies were completed, he traveled around Africa for a year with a preacher presenting the gospel of Jesus Christ. Robert became a Christian in College and loved to study the Bible, memorize scripture and talk to others about the good news of eternal salvation. All his friends and family will miss him and look forward to seeing him again in Heaven.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Julia Kidder of Roseburg, Oregon, and is survived by his sister Phyllis Kidder Weigel Roger, sister Nancy Kidder West Larry, nephew Bryce Weigel Megan, and niece Kasia Weigel. Donations can be sent in his name to World Vision International and Central United Protestant Church Mission Fund. A service will be held at Central United Protestant Church on Thursday, July 15, 2010, at 3:00 PM with burial following at Sunset Memorial Gardens.