Simon Oliver Kiddell Obituary (1971 - 2017)

Simon Oliver Kiddell was born in Kingston-upon-Thames, England on December 30, 1971. He was the first of three children born to Maureen and Brian Kiddell. He married Jennifer Marie Steverson on April 8, 2016 surrounded by a loving community of family and friends. Simon was a caring friend to many people who he grew up with and who he met on his travels throughout France, Cuba, India and Ecuador. He decided to settle in central Texas after falling in love with BBQ while visiting Austin with his brother Nick. Simon loved cooking for family and friends, this love of cooking developed when he was a child helping his mother in the kitchen. Simon found solace in gardening, and spent many weekends nurturing his large collection of cacti and succulents and a small vegetable garden with his wife. He loved working with his hands through woodcarving, working on bicycles and building project around the home. He navigated Austin by bike, bringing smiles to the people he met on his travels throughout the city. Simon was committed to his nascent business, the Walnut Forest Bakery Project, which he intended to use to create a refuge for people affected by mental illness. Simon believed that food played an important role in breaking down barriers between people, building relationships and establishing strong communities. He was a wonderful storyteller and a kindhearted man who will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Simon lived a varied and interesting life. He did so much, and everything he did, he did with complete passion and conviction. He has enriched the lives of all of his family and friends and we're so lucky to have known him. He is survived by his mother and father, Maureen and Brian Kiddell, his sister Joanne Gill, sister-in-law Sara Gill, niece and nephew Jasmine and Finn Gill, his brother Nicholas and his beloved wife Jennifer. For information on how you can support the family during this time and to send words of solace, please go to https://goo.gl/forms/qfc46Dwf6HevT5xm1 Order of Service Opening Remembrance ....................................Chad Rodgers Moment of Silence ......................................................... Ode to Bread by Pablo Neruda Read Aloud Excerpt from An Ode to Bread by Pablo Neruda And we will share with one another whatever has the shape and flavor of bread: the earth itself, beauty and love - all taste like bread and have its shape, the germination of wheat, everything exists to be shared, to be freely given to multiply. Remembrances from Family and Friends ........................... Closing Remarks .......................................... Chad Rodgers Repast 1300 Fairwood Road, Austin Texas, 78722