Gerald R. Kidney's Obituary
Gerald R. Kidney, 75, of Gainesville, FL passed away Sunday, July 16, 2023, at Shands hospital surrounded by his loving family. Gerald was born September 17, 1947, in Waldoboro, Maine to Gerald R. and Dorothey Hixon Kidney. He met the love of his life and wife of 55 years, Janis, while living in Maine. He graduated from the University of Maine, earning a master’s degree in Business Administration. Together, he and his wife raised 8 children of whom he was very proud. In January of 1982 they moved to Gainesville, FL where Gerald worked for the University of Florida as Assistant Vice President, Health Affairs.
Gerald had many interests. He especially enjoyed motorcycles, specifically Gold Wing motorcycles with a sidecar. He was a known wordsmith and a huge Stephen King fan. He has read every one of his books and has some of them signed by the author. He and Janis traveled back to Maine every summer to spend time on their family property to enjoy the cooler weather, extended family, and friends. Gerald was a generous man and was president of the Ronald McDonald house in Gainesville for several years. He was a man of faith, most recently attending and singing in the choir at First United Methodist Church of High Springs. He dearly loved his family, all of whom will miss his presence in their lives.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter Desiray “Didi” Kidney, and a sister Susan Haley.
He is survived by his loving wife Janis Kidney, his sister Dani Sue Kidney, children Nathan, Robert, Janica, Greg, Sandra, Calata, Sky and ten grandchildren Taylor, Chancey, Tristan, Ashlyn, Dylan, Cory, Blake, Ethan, Seth and Grace.
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, July 21, 2023, at 6:00PM at First United Methodist Church, 17405 NW US HWY 441, High Springs, FL with Pastor Augie Allen officiating. A light reception will follow. Burial will take place in East Mercer Cemetery, Mercer Maine, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in his name to the Ronald McDonald House at www.rmdh.org
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