When I re-read my remembrance in the morning after receiving it by email, I often wish I could re-send an edited version. As was the case yesterday. I’ve decided to add this note regarding John David Ridge, the Halston designer. John David was a very nice and humble man during his visits to Whitebird. I asked him, “Why?” (Google John David Ridge and you’ll find pages of articles about his accomplishments.) I had become used to the name-dropping, boasty, and arrogant types I had met while orbiting Tomie’s world. John David explained that he knew there was always someone more talented, more famous, more something, and richer than he was. He understood and accepted that realization. I so admired his philosophy. Now to today’s photo of Janet and David Kidder with a focus on David. David is “local,” born in the area. During the energy crisis of the 1970s, Tomie was getting gas at David’s family’s garage. Although each vehicle was only allowed a limited amount of gas, David always filled Tomie’s tank. He would have been in his late teens, I think. Tomie’s passenger was Lily Tomlin who was staying at his Wilmot Flat home. David outwardly gave no special notice of Lily. She pointed that out to Tomie. During a follow-up stop at the garage, David asked Tomie if his friend had been Lily Tomlin. It’s just that David couldn’t let down his teenage “I’m too cool” facade in front of a Hollywood celebrity. Another David story I especially loved telling… Tomie and director Gene Youngken would often cast local men in their theatrical productions at the female only college in town. In one musical, “Plain and Fancy” comes to mind, but I’m probably wrong, Tomie’s character leapt into the arms of a group of men, including David’s. Whenever I would see adult David talking with folks, I would join the group long enough to say, “David, tell the story of when Tomie leapt into your arms.” I then walked away. I never heard the story David told. (Bob) Pray for Peace, Justice, and Equality
