Edward C. Tidman Jr.

HOLDEN - Edward C. Tidman, Jr., 89, passed away peacefully at home in the loving care of his family on October 8, 2019. He was born in Worcester, the son of Edward C. and Gurly L. (Bottcher) Tidman and lived in Holden for most of his life.

He graduated from Holden High School where he played football, baseball, basketball and track and field. He attended Becker Junior College, then served his country in the U.S. Navy, serving as a radioman in the Aleutian Islands. Upon his discharge, he returned to Holden and started a carpet business with his father. He owned and operated Tidman’s Rug Center on Main Street in Holden until his retirement in 1993.

Ed was an avid golfer who won the club championship while a member at Holden Hills Country Club and the Senior Club Championship while a member at Pleasant Valley Country Club. In 1981, at age 51, he qualified for the Massachusetts Amateur Championship and made it to the second round of match play before losing to the eventual state champion. He carried a single digit handicap for 40 years, made three holes in one and shot his age several times, beginning at age 72. Upon his retirement, he and his wife, Roberta, spent winters in Florida, allowing him to indulge his passion for golf for twelve months a year.

Ed is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Roberta (Scripture) Tidman, his son, E. Charles Tidman III of Holden, his stepdaughter, Donna M Gregoire of Millbury, his stepson, Steven B. Wade and his wife Mary of Turner, Maine, his stepdaughter Bettiann W. McKay of Somerville, his adoring grandchildren, Eric C. Tidman of Oxford, Kelsie L. Tidman of Braintree, Jennifer McKay of Marlborough, Katherine Dillon of Billerica, Travis Wade of Harvard, Andrea Karkos of Turner, Maine and Ashley Wade of Turner, Maine, four great-grandchildren and his sister, Jean Johnson of Bedford, New Hampshire. He was predeceased by his beloved daughter-in-law, Cheryl Tidman of Holden.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Friday, October 11 from 4:30-7:00 PM at the Miles Funeral Home, at 1158 Main Street in Holden. A funeral service celebrating Ed’s life will be held at Miles Funeral Home on Saturday, October 12 at 10:00 AM followed by a burial service at Grove Cemetery, 1520 Main Street in Holden. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ed’s memory may be made to The Salvation Army-Massachusetts Division, 25 Shawmut Road, Canton, MA 02021.(massachusetts.salvationarmy.org/MA/Your_Help).

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