It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Midford “Mid” Joseph Kitchen (1926-2019) . Mid passed away peacefully on Saturday October 19, 2019 in Parry Sound, Ontario. Predeceased by his parents (Reg Kitchen and Wenonah Moore), and his wife (Joy Stinson), he is survived by his daughter Maureen (Doug) and son Reg (Donna).

Dad was an incredible person - organized, intelligent, focused, great story-teller, a hard-working man, and a skilled builder with a vast knowledge pool; we will greatly miss him! His loves were Mom, being out on the water (Georgian Bay), the military, square dancing, horseshoe pitching, and his Florida winter home; he had many friends and acquaintances all over North America. He was a man before his time and would have happily been born 300 years ago as an early seafarer and explorer. Later in life, when his genealogy DNA results came back, he was thrilled to find out he had some “Viking” bits in him.

After his discharge from the army, Dad graduated in Civil Engineering from University of Toronto (class of 4T8), finishing in 3 years with no breaks. He married Mom and the family lived in many locations as he was promoted and transferred.

Dad and Mom were square dancing Challenge dancers and loved attending conventions all over Canada and the USA. Dad was also a skilled horseshoe pitcher and travelled across Canada and the USA to compete in various tournaments.

When Dad retired, Dad and Mom bought a motor home and spent the better part of a year exploring and meandering around Canada and the USA. During these travels, they found Riverwoods Plantation in Florida and decided to make it their winter base. After that, summers were spent on Idletime Island near Parry Sound with winters in their Florida home enjoying the sun and all the good friends they made there.

Cremation has taken place. Respecting Dad’s wishes, only a private family service will be held at Hillcrest Cemetery.

If desired, donations to a military veterans’ association would be gratefully appreciated.

Condolences

I chatted with Mid many times over the years and will miss his presence in our hometown. We are both sons of the pioneers. Rest in Peace Mid.

I am so sad to hear about his passing! We are the family that got the habitat home in Parry Sound. This man at the age of 88,89 and nearly 90 was one of the main reasons this home was built in such a timely manner! He was here nearly everyday from the time the shovels went in the ground to the time the roof went on and the some! I want him and his family to know his dedication did not go unnoticed! It is partly because of him that we have a home to call our own! We also played horseshoes with him. He was such a good man! Rest in peace, Mid!! ♥️♥️

Maureen and Reg. Mid was a man that I never thought would stop. I am so amazed how he lived and travelled with such independence - especially after losing his beloved wife, your Mom, his Joy.
Having been given the honour of the stewardship of Idletime for a short time, I kept in touch and so enjoyed an annual visit with Mid. I will miss his smile, his stories and how he shared his knowledge of the shores that he loved. I will miss his email funnies, and his Christmas news over the winter when he was away. One of the most amazing men of his era that I ever knew nor expect to meet again! A true, gentle soldier, advocate, adventurer, and friend to so many. Grace be with you, Mid, and sincere condolences to your family.

Our relationship with your parents extends back to the 70s, though it didn’t really develop until they retired to Idletime. They both played significant roles in our Bay life, hosting the “Gossip Group”, introducing horseshoes, hooking up our floating docks, mentoring gardening newbies and connecting us with P.S. history. I’ll leave it to you to figure out who did what. We participated in Doris’s funeral at Hillcrest, so I assume when we visit the cemetery, we’ll know where to find them. Late September, I talked with your Dad. As usual he sounded clear, direct, informative and interested in life on the Bay. Though drawing back from games and travel, his only concern seemed to be the forthcoming dental appointment. His leaving us seems sudden; yet it would appear it was on his own terms.Their departure spells the end of an era. We will miss them both. Our condolences.

Midford was a beautiful spirit! He will be missed

Wow what a great guy he was. I only knew him such a short time of two Winters of square dancing in Florida but he lead such a full life. I am 77 and was worried about growing older but to see him enjoying life in his 90’s was such an inspiration to me that I no longer worry about getting older. He was such a good example of enjoying life one day at a time and not worrying about tomorrow. We will miss him.
Linda & Terry Murphy

You will be sadly missed my fellow Algonquin.

I only just learned of Mid's passing and it was indeed sad news. To me, Mid was, at first a client, became a mentor and ultimately a good friend. My wife and I enjoyed visits with Mid (and Joy) at both Idletime Island and at the Florida residence. Conversations would cover a broad range of interests and his insights were mostly right on. I always looked forward to those visits.
What impressed me most was his firm but gentle pleasant demeanor. We will miss you Mid, be at peace. PS, the picture captures Mid perfectly.

On behalf of the staff and cadets of 3133 Algonquin Army Cadets we would like to offer our sincere condolences. Mid was a true gentleman and someone the cadets were happy to have around. He would always take the time to talk to as many as he was able and pass on to them some bit of wisdom. I was honored to have Mid as our reviewing officer and feel blessed to have known him. He will be sadly missed by one and all. RIP my friend RIP.