Richard G Tidd

Dick Tidd was a mentor. Though an electrical contractor by trade, Dick was always teaching what he knew. Dozens of electrical contractors in the Tri-Counties got their start and gained confidence in their trade at the side of Dick Tidd. Young people learned to water ski, high school linemen at Bishop Diego perfected their football technique with coaching from Mr. Tidd…. And during his three year battle with esophageal cancer, his family learned valuable lessons of living in the moment, maintaining faith, treasuring family and friends, and handling the dying process with grace and love.
Dick was born in Santa Barbara in 1936, and comforted by his faith and surrounded by his loving family, Dick left this earthly realm on Friday, August 30that the age of 77.
Raised locally by his parents, Harlow and Olive Tidd, with his brothers Roger and Bill, he attended SBHS and SBCC and worked at Jedlicka’s Saddlery, then joined the US Navy where he learned the basics of the electrical trade which would be his career for the next 50 years. After an honorable discharge from the service, he first joined Murphy Electric, then Craviotto Electric and eventually became a partner and then owner, of Wall Electrical Contractors, Inc.
During his active lifetime as one of Santa Barbara’s most gifted tradesmen, he also rode horses as a member of the Los Padres Trail Riders, was a champion barrel racer, bowled in leagues and regularly played golf, usually walking the course with his bag over his shoulder even as recently as this past year. He was a gardener and his annual fruit and vegetable gardens fed his family and the neighborhood. He recently received the gift of a garden provided by The Dream Foundation and local volunteers, and the family believes that was one of the milestones that allowed him to peacefully transition to his next chapter of life, knowing that his family would have food to eat…
A popular and well-liked businessman, his engaging smile and twinkling eyes revealed his soft, generous heart.
Dick was the father and devoted patriarch to five families. He has been married to Sara, his love, for 38 years. His children are Sharadi Nobbe, Trisha Childs, Dale Tidd, Bobby Kendrick and Danny Kendrick. He has 13 grandchildren and also 4 great-grandchildren.
A memorial mass will be held at St. Raphael Catholic Church, 5444 Hollister Ave in Goleta, on Monday, Sept. 9th, at 3:30 PM. Donations may be made in Dick Tidd’s memory to St. Raphael School, 160 St. Joseph’s Street, Goleta, 93117.
Special thanks to Laura Hayward of SB Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care for much love, compassion and support.