Derek John Kidd

KIDD, Derek ("Piet") John, Surgeon Captain RCN (Ret'd), D.S.C., O.M.M., O.S.J., C.D. Adored husband, father, doctor, researcher, inventor, and WWII Veteran, died peacefully at home in the presence of his family. Survived by his wife of 31 years, Patricia, sons Derek (Darci) and Adam; half-sisters Diana Grant and Patricia Crate (England), many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his first wife Vera (1981). Born in London England, July 1922. He joined the RNVR as a seaman in 1940, served in the North Atlantic (Arctic Convoys), Mediterranean, and Pacific theatres. In 1943 he was awarded an operational Distinguished Service Cross and was twice mentioned in Dispatches. Piet trained as an orthopedic surgeon at Charing Cross Hospital, London (1945-52). He joined the RCN in 1953, and served as Principal Medical Officer aboard HMCS Labrador (1954-56) during its historic transit of the North West Passage; was appointed to the Chairman, Defence Research Board in 1957, then Officer-in-Charge, RCN Personnel Research Unit, Institute of Aviation Medicine, Toronto, tasked with creating a Canadian Naval diving research facility. His research (with Roy Stubbs) in hyperbaric medicine resulted in the invention of the analogue decompression computer, as well as other devices for life support and management of casualties in the field. He was a proud member of the Canadian Naval Divers Association. He retired in 1979 as Chief Medical Officer, Maritime Command Pacific. In retirement he designed and built a remarkable rhododendron garden around his Moss Street home. His first son was born the year he became a senior citizen, his second two years later. The remainder of his life was spent shepherding and glorying in the happiness and accomplishments of his beloved family. VIHA were instrumental in offering the most compassionate care at home: with special thanks to Christine, Kelly, and Patricia D. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Hospice whose compassionate intervention allowed 'Piet' to die in the home he loved so well. Deepest thanks are offered to Dr. Michael Miles for the dignity and care with which he treated his charge. Piet's family is profoundly grateful for the invaluable assistance of the RCN and the CNDA, in the commitment of his ashes to the sea.