William Kidd of Monifieth, who had a long career with the then North of Scotland Hydro Electric Board, later SSE, has died aged 85.
He was also a skilled footballer who attracted the attention of senior clubs, a keen gardener and fly fisherman.
William (Bill) Alfred Kidd was born on March 28 1938 in Plean House Garage, Plean, Stirlingshire.
He was the son of David Mitchel Kidd, a chauffeur, and Betsy Kidd (Low) from Auchterarder, and grew up with siblings David, Alex, George and Netta.
Academic bursary
Bill was raised in Stirlingshire, Dundee, and Muirhead where he attended Muirhead primary school and won a bursary to attend Harris Academy in Dundee. He was a keen footballer and was very proud to play for Harris Academy.
His first job was working as a wages clerk in a jute mill in Dundee. He was called up for National Service and served most of his time in Hong Kong. During this period, he continued with his football and played for the British Army.
When he returned to civilian life, Bill began work with the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board in Dundee and continued to work for the organisation for most of the rest of his career.
Hydro career begins
He started his career as an office junior and worked his way up to a manager in the accounts department. He not only worked in the office but conducted audits and stock checks in the Arbroath, Brechin and Dundee stores.
Bill met his future wife, Margaret, at a dance in Alyth and they were married on June 15 1963 in Blairgowrie.
Margaret was a nurse at Dundee Royal Infirmary and went on to be a sister at Meigle Cottage Hospital. Family life started in Muirhead where their two sons, Alistair and Lindsay, were born but they later moved to New Alyth to be nearer to Margaret’s family.
Bill continued with his love of football and played for teams in Muirhead and Auchterhouse. At one point he was on the verge of turning professional and received attention from a football scout from Dundee FC, a team Bill followed throughout his life.
In 1988, Bill and Margaret moved to live in Monifieth, where they remained and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year.
Leisure pursuits
Bill was a great gardener at both New Alyth and Monifieth, was a member of Burnside Angling Club in Dundee and fished in many lochs around Scotland with his brothers.
He died peacefully on August 16 2023 at Balhousie Antiquary care home in Arbroath and had previously spent 19 months in Willow ward, Stracathro Hospital, living with dementia.
Bill leaves behind his wife Margaret, sons Alistair and Lindsay, daughters-in-law Tracy and Jane, and grandchildren Gareth, Rory, Laura and Amber.
His funeral will take place on Friday August 25 at 10.30am at Dundee crematorium.
You can read the family’s announcement here.
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