Polls
| SPORTING CLAYS HAS LOST A FRIEND |
By James B. Towle
Mark Kiddie passed peacefully, with his family by his side. He will be missed by many. For those of us who knew Mark, and were fortunate enough to walk from station to station with him, he was always a little taller and just a little more savvy. There will not be a station that I will ever shoot that Mark has not, and many I will never.
He displayed the character and humor we envied and the class we knew we would never have; he was as global in his life as he was in his shooting. Well-dressed and well-heeled, Mark was an example of what Sporting Clays will one day become. He brought an image to the field that we should all strive to achieve. A gentleman in a gentleman's game. We will miss you Mark. You have left a void in our sport, but not without pointing us in a direction for our future. I recall an evening at the Hardy Classic a few years ago, we had had dinner at the Golf Club and stepped outside for a brandy and a cigar. As the sun set, we laughed and spoke of the things men speak about in such places. We dreamed about a day when we could sponsor a Turf & Target competition, pitting shooter scores and golf together with prizes like Cadillacs and Land Rovers. Did we ever believe it might happen? Perhaps, just for a little while, as long as the brandy held out and the cigars burned hot. As a mentor, I admired your depth of thinking and experience. You were an inspiration to me to continue moving the sport into the mainstream media. There will be many a toast when that day comes and your name will ring out when glasses are held high and cheers fill the room. Mark Kiddie will not be forgotten for his tireless effort to drag a "niche" sport into the camera lights. Rest in peace my friend. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 2 at 4:00pm at: Coldstream Country Club 400 Asbury Road Cincinnati, Ohio 45255 513-231-3900 |