Richard was born in Redding, Calif., to Floyd and Imogene (Mace) Kidwell. Shortly after his birth the family moved back to Harney County, where his sister, Lanora, joined the family. He graduated from Burns Union High School and was a lifelong member of the Elks Lodge of Burns. He spent most of his life enjoying life in the Burns area, hunting, fishing, logging, working and spending time with his family and friends.

He worked various jobs throughout his life, McAllister’s feed store, forest service, national guard, logging, scaling logs, Kidwell’s tires & saw shop, Kidwell Logging Inc., R&R Logging. He was a pilot and a real estate agent before he retired. He always managed to stay busy and loved life no matter what he was doing.

He loved the Harney County area; it was home and whenever he left it was only for a short time before he came back. He was always full of stories about growing up there with his crew of best friends. We know his mom, Imogene Reinkemeyer, had her hands full keeping them all in line. A favorite story was when the “Boys” thought that late on Friday night that they were going to get in the car and make a run down to San Francisco. It was late and they stopped at mom’s house to change and get some clothes before heading out. Richards room was downstairs and when they went to head upstairs, there sat mom with a baseball bat, telling them to get some rest and they could think about leaving in the morning. Every time they checked during the night she was still sitting there. Needless to say, they changed their mind, and the trip didn’t happen. This (crew) were still friends and stayed in touch throughout their lives.

As kids we learned early that a quick trip downtown was never quick. He would see someone; family or friend and we would get to hear him “Catching up” with them for what seemed like hours. And when he moved on or around the corner he would see someone else. We learned what quiet patience was or you just didn’t say “Yes” the next time he asked if you wanted to go for a “quick trip to town”. It was never quick! But we loved him. What else could he do since he was related to half the town and knew the rest and there was always time to catch up. I don’t think he knew an enemy and if you were a friend he would do anything for you.

Richard adored all things Harney County and loved to show “the country” to anyone who would get in the rig! He would stretch out that big hand and holler “Richard LeRoy Kidwell at your service”. Later he used “Richard LeRoy Kidwell senior” at your service. He was a big-good natured guy. Richard loved jack rabbit, rattlesnake hunting, and riding snowmobiles when we were kids. “I can think of  thousands of things he taught and showed us but it would take a novel.” (Vicki Bishop).

Richard and his best friend “Jasper” moved to Crooked River Ranch when he met and married his new love, Beth in 2011 and acquired four daughters. They enjoyed a full life of laughter, traveling and cruises with good friends over the years. Richard loved playing cards, marbles and dice with the ladies group when needed. He even had a red hat. He enjoyed watching the birds, squirrels and other wildlife from his chair with his companion “Lola” on his lap.

He is survived by his step-sister, Sharon Ray; and step-brother, Dennis Reinkemeyer. His wife, Beth; and her daughters,  Lauree (Reid) Oelke, Gaye (Art) Artis, Penny (Rick) Thomas and Grace (Neil) Hofer. His children, Jeannie (Jim) Sykes, Richard (Rich) Kidwell jr., Randy Kidwell, Mike (Christine) McCowen, Vicki (Dean) Bishop, and John (Beth) McCowen. Nephews, Michael Gill and Robert Ray. Nieces, Denah Carbine, Chris Abbott, Jana Dahlman, Tanya Bigness and Teri Lambert. Many grandchildren, and many more great-grandchildren. He taught us all how to give big hugs and love totally. He will be missed by all.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Imogene Reinkemeyer; father, Floyd Kidwell; stepfather, Paul (Rink) Reinkemeyer; his sister, Lanora Gara.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Sept. 28 2024 at 11 a.m., at Crooked River Ranch Juniper Room. Jack Baldwin officiating. Contact: Beth Kidwell 541-325-3270.