Kenneth Richard Giddings

life story

A life too short

Kenny passed away in a car accident at only 31 years old. He is missed by his family and his friends.

Kenneth Richard Giddings

Kenneth Richard Giddings was born in San Clemente California to his parents, Carolyn Marie Giddings née Cook and Richard Walter Giddings on October 5, 1980. He spent his childhood in San Juan Capistrano where he lived with his family on on acre located on Ortega Highway. Their property was filled with activity and adventure. Kenny played among the fruit trees and woodpiles. The family fruit stand that was a few yards away from the house was usually busy as customers (that included friends and neighbors) came and went. With his mom nearby but busy in the fruit stand, Kenny and Richie were free range boys who played together with friends on the property and in surrounding neighborhoods. They often had friends who were brothers and played together with them and got into mischief together.

Kenny enjoyed video games, playing guitar and board sports like snowboarding and especially skateboarding. He broke his legs and arms repeatedly but didn’t let that stop him. He seemed to always feel invincible or perhaps not bothered by potential consequences. Kenny was always open to trying new things and meeting new people. He loved his family deeply and his friends were very important to him. He was a softy. He was generous, fun and scrappy.

Kenny was able to travel with his family. He spent weeks in Hawaii when he was very young. He traveled up the coast of California with his mom and siblings. As a preteen, he traveled around the west with his dad and Richie, camping with a trailer along the way.

At age 13, Kenny suffered a harsh loss when his close friend passed away tragically in a car accident. Whether because of that or other issues and choices, he started struggling with addiction very early. Throughout his teenage years and adulthood, he fought this as he cycled. Because of substance abuse, he was not always himself. That led to times when he was not with his family and he wandered. But when Kenny was himself, he was sweet caring, sensitive and concerned for others. He had a close bond with his brothers. They shared friends and interest and had the kind of unconditional love that brothers do.

Kenny lost his mother to cancer in September of 2000. Shy of 19 years old, this was a profound loss for him. Within a few years, Kenny was in a very bad place. Kenny’s dad took him out of this circumstances and gave him a place to heal and recover. There were ups and downs, but overall, he was better. Kenny had girlfriends that he loved, he and worked hard at his jobs. He enjoyed his welding work and was skilled at many jobs that provided an income for him. He experienced great satisfaction from his work.

On March 27, 2012, Kenny passed away in a car accident in Warner Springs, California during the early morning hours. Shortly after, his life was celebrated in a memorial gathering in Temecula, California. Kenny’s father invited Kenny’s family and friends to his home. It was a long overdue reunion of people who had brought life to the Giddings Ranch Fruit Stand, the Christmas tree lot, family parties, milestones and to Kenny’s day-to-day life for decades. Kenny’s family and friends and friends of his siblings and parents came, representing the community that cared for Kenny and who Kenny loved.

Kenny’s life was about 70 years too short, but his life was not insignificant. He was part of a family and community that loved him for who he was. He was proceeded in death by his mother, Carolyn. He left behind his father, Rick Giddings; his siblings John (Kay), April Cobb (Jay), and Richie. He also left behind his aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews as well as his friends.