Beloved Sid by Mary Elizabeth Cresse, friend of Katherine Kirkpatrick

Beloved Sid Kirkpatrick—witty, dashing, at times lovably arcane, much like the subject of his books! At Kirkpatrick events, I tried to wrangle a seat next to Sid, as I knew he’d say something by turns intriguing, humorous, and thought-provoking. Sid was also inclusive. He had a way of sweeping you into conversation as though you, and not he, were at the helm of insight—or, one might say, the reason for the celebration at hand.

I enjoyed hearing him speak about film the most. Whether he was talking about 1930s German Expressionism or American underground/cult films, he always brought something new to the table. One day, Sid told us about an Andy Warhol film called “Sleep.” I thought it was a joke, honestly, and I said so. I said, “What is it, eight hours long?” And Sid said, “No, it’s more like five.” It is. I’ve watched it. I would not have known about that aspect of Warhol’s had Sid not mentioned it.

Then there were John Waters’s films. There again, Sid helped me see through Waters’ outrageousness to highlight the transgressive nature of Waters’ work. Beyond camp, as it were.

Oh, let me stop there, for I, once again, am not the film expert; and here again, were Sid here, I’d ask him what he thought of what I just said. I’d also have liked to sit with him during a screening of “Do the Right Thing,” not only because of his association with Spike Lee but to see Sid plumb his out-of-the-box thinking for an assessment of that work.

Oh, and then there was the Edgar Cayce connection, another topic I wish I’d had the chance to discuss with him, for many reasons. With Edgar Cayce, for example, I’d have told him that my own grandmother lived in the same space and time: oh, yes! When I found out that Cayce lived in Bowling Green, Kentucky, between 1903 and 1909, I’d have told him that Cayce may well have walked on the street directly past my grandmother, who lived in Bowling Green then. I’d have asked him about the possibility that Cayce had done any readings for anyone in my family. And Sid would probably have known the answer. I think of that, I suppose, because it's emblematic of his having a way of connecting people, and quite naturally.

That sort of realm.

I must end here with a mention of Sid’s aplomb. Going back, oh, years ago, to 1985.

Katherine and I were lounging on the dock at the beach club while behind us, Sid was in a small sailboat. Jen was taking photos of Katherine and me, with Sid appearing in the distance. With each picture Jen snapped, the weather seemed to get worse, with winds and clouds gathering. So here we are, Katherine and I, smiling and posing as Sid’s boat begins to teeter. Then it overturns. Then you can see him swimming toward us… the sail fluttering… Then Sid gets to the dock and casually hangs off the side.

Beloved Sid.

From Bob Young

I was devastated with news of Sid's passing.  He has fought so long and hard to conquer all ailments and problems sent his way.  It seems so unfair.  My heart and condolences go out to you, Nancy, and the whole family at this difficult time and we must accept that poor Sid is now at peace.  It is time to say goodbye to my "brother" as Sid honoured me in calling.     Bob from Muskoka

Dearest Sid,

Thank you for your friendship and caring.  It has been such a privilege to know you and to have such interesting times.  How I will miss them and you.

A man, a being? Full of love, and talent to inquire, to express and share.  Your soul continues its journey to new horizons to help the world.  Thank you for being here.  With love.    Gill from Muskoka, Canada.

I am honored to have known Sidney Kirkpatrick. I first met him in 2017 while researching the life of silent film star Antonio Moreno. Sidney told me he was delighted to meet a fellow researcher, and he generously shared materials he had gathered while preparing to write Cast of Killers.

Later, when I began researching the life of Edward F. Sands, Sidney was again extremely helpful, offering leads, insights, and thoughtful guidance. I was surprised, looking back, at how many conversations we shared over the years. He was consistently supportive, encouraging me to continue my investigations and to write down what I discovered.

I was deeply saddened to learn of Sidney’s passing. I remain grateful for his kindness, and the generosity he extended to me.

Sidney and I met in Nebraska in the early 90's, which begin a life long friendship that was full of many laugh, tears, memories and adventures that took SId around the world touching many lives.

I am truly grateful to call Sidney my friend, for his remarkable wisdom, knowledge, experience, loyalty, respect, kindness, caring, giving, loving ways he expressed every single day, and always giving me hope and strength through my darkest days in my life.

Sidney's memories lives with me daily, some brings tears to my eyes, and many gives me great laughs and joy to know how truly thankful and blessed I am because of Sidney in my life. Thank you Sid for being a part of my life, you will never be forgotten.

Thank you Nancy, Nick, Mercedes, Alexander and Vienna for allowing me to be part of your life through Sid.

Sid made a difference in this world, touched so many lives through the books he wrote, amazing man he was, he will forever be missed, you made be a better person Thank you Sidney, love you dearly

Jeffrey jay Boppre