Friends are the family that you choose.  I can't think of anything more appropriate to sum up the relationship between Mandy and most of us.  Mandy was like a sister to me and most who knew her.  She was a difficult asshole sometimes, but there wasn't anyone with as big of a heart who would be there for you, no questions asked, like her.  She got me my first pipeline job.  Over the years and couple hundred arguments, she got more hired on anytime I asked.  I don't think I've ever known anyone who could aggravate me as much, yet somehow managed to never come to blows, and then wake up and start all over the next day.  She loved blindly and completely and she always fell hard and fast.  If anyone thinks anything on this memorial account is inappropriate, you really didn't know her and should just move on, because she would want me to shoot it straight and tell it how it is.  

Mandy battled depression most her life and struggled with love and relationships the entire time I've known her.  She was lost and trying to find herself when she left us.  Like most of you, I was upset with the boyfriend when I first heard, so I wanted to address this one time and be done with it... Everyone who she was close to before she drug up on us knew how in love she was with Brent.  He was the first man who she felt truly loved her for the crazy beautiful that she was and through many arguments over the subject I saw that.  Mandy was known for jumping into a job/relationship/roommate situation and I don't think there were any of us who could've lived on a boat, stocked with alcohol, farrrrrr away from anywhere to get away for a minute like he did.  He accepted her for the asshole she could be and saw the sparkle in her that all of us close to her saw as well and tried to make things work in a difficult situation.  Mandy would want us to welcome him in and help him grieve and say goodbye to her, and I think we should honor that.  This might not be the platform to tell you all that, but through many private messages and phone calls amongst friends, the general consensus is that although Mandy was heartbroken, he loved her and still does and there was nothing any of us could do to change things with the state her mind was in.  We can move forward and try to see depression in each other and not be ashamed to talk about it and try to be there for each other more.  She was the toughest bitch I knew and if this could get her down, it scares me for the rest of us.  Reach out.  If any of you ever need me, I'm there.

Mandy was a damn gypsy and never stayed still for too long, so in death, I'm thinking she would want the same.  To be cremated and her ashes scattered to the ends of the earth and at home in Hawaii and Alaska where she found happiness for a little while.  The cost of cremation is $1200, to my understanding.  I think a family member may have started  an account at home to aid in expenses for this and a memorial service.  I shot high on the goal of $3000, hoping to offset any additional expenses and to help Ashley situate ant loose ends Mandy may have had and to help with expenses she may have incurred after she passed.  If we raise enough money, I would like to figure out some kind of tribute to her Oma, who raised her and she lived with in Paris, and put the money towards it so she has somewhere to go to remember her.  If you don't feel comfortable donating until her plans are set in stone, please private message me and I will try to keep you up to date.  I will have the funds deposited in Ashley's account when this is closed.  

I will update this page when a memorial has been set up.  Also, there are some of us who are going to get together after the new year for a night of Mandy stories.  Start conditioning your livers now, because it will be a fun filled, shitastic night of shenanigans and bad decisions.  I'm sorry for the kinda short post now, but just want to make sure we get our girl home to rest.

I'm sorry for all of our loss.  Mandy Fucking Kidd you will be missed and there will never be another infamous, crazy, legendary pipeliner like you.  RIP Kidd