Gary LaVere Kidman

Surrounded with the love of his children, Gary LaVere Kidman passed away on Friday, March 10, 2017. Gary was born on July 8th, 1939 to Lyman LaVere Kidman and Leah O'Brien Kidman. He was the first of four boys for LaVere and Leah. He grew up in Cache Valley and Salt Lake City, Utah. He graduated from Olympus High School in Salt Lake City in 1957. He served a Brazil North mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints from 1958 to 1961. He graduated from Brigham Young University. Gary met Donna Dastrup at a church activity and married his eternal soulmate on December 20, 1962 in the Manti, Utah temple. They had 7 children together. Gary was active in the LDS church, held various callings and served the Sunset 6th Ward as bishop. The family lived in Provo, Salt Lake City, and Sunset, Utah; Foster City, CA; Spanish Fork and St. George, Utah. Gary's choice of employment would always be one in direct contact with people. He owned a restaurant, sold solar panels and worked in payroll and human resources. Gary and Donna served together in the California, San Jose mission from 2011 to 2013. Gary loved people. His family would say, "He could walk into a room full of strangers and walk out with a room full of new friends". Gary gave his smiles and hugs freely. He was warm and accepting and will be sorely missed. Gary is survived by his children: Wendy (David ) Butler, Devin (Jennifer) Kidman, Kareen (Kevin) Warnick, Randy (Rachel) Kidman, Tricia Kidman, Brandon (Lindsey) Kidman, and Tara (Dave) Olsen, 33 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and brothers Richard, Dennis and Brent. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Donna and his parents. Funeral services will be held Monday, March 20th at 10:30 a.m. at the Foothills Ward chapel, 2079 E. 2450 S. in St. George, Utah. The viewing will be held Sunday, March 19th from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and again prior to the service on Monday from 9:30 to 10:00. Interment will follow the service at the Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 S. Dixie Drive in St. George. Friends and family are invited to share memories and condolences online at www.SerenitySTG.com. Arrangements under the direction of Serenity Funeral Home.

Gary LaVere Kidman

July 8, 1939 - March 10, 2017