Warner H. Thibodeau A.K.A “Sam Tidwell” 75, of Cranston, Rhode Island died at home Monday April 30, 2012. He was pre-deceased by his first wife Dorothy (Cournoyer) Thibodeau, brothers Robert D. Thibodeau, William H. Parker, and a sister Mary Parker. His wife and children were at his bedside when he passed. He leaves his beloved wife Edith (Dwyer) Thibodeau of Cranston, a brother William H. Thibodeau of Maine, eight children, 17 grand-children, and eight great-grandchildren. Mr. Thibodeau was a devoted father to his children David, Marc, and William Thibodeau, Linda Sawyer, Kathleen Richards, Debra (Thompson) Roberts, Frank and James Thompson. Warner placed special emphasis on his children’s education stressing the importance of finishing high school and college. He was born on August 11,1936 in Chepachet, Rhode Island to the late William H. and Clara L. (Ducharme) Thibodeau. He was educated in the Burrillville and Glocester Public School systems before joining the Air Force where he was an Airborne radar specialist. “Sam” as he was more commonly known, was a bombardier and gunner on a B-26 in the Korean War. He attained his final rank of Staff Sergeant when he returned to Texas to complete his tour of duty. While working full time at Raytheon he earned an Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering. Through the years, he had several occupations including owning The Trading Post in Chepachet where he bought and sold antiques. He owned various music stores where he taught eager students how to play stringed instruments. In addition he bought, sold, and repaired instruments. His love of music was instilled in him by his father who was a concert violinist for the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra. This fascination brought him on a journey that he traveled for well over fifty years. Beginning in 1955, his first bands were of the Country genre, but he kept looking for other musicians interested in Bluegrass music where he could play banjo. By the mid ‘60s he formed his first Bluegrass band, The Cedar Mountain Boys with his younger brother Bobby who learned to play bass with his encouragement to become their bass player. In between working with his own bands, He went on tour with notables such as Red Smiley in 1966, Don Stover in 1973 and Jud Strunk in 1975. After leaving Rhode Island, Sam lived for many years in Maine until he and Edie retired to Florida where he joined other bands, most notably, The Cypress Creek Band. The Kennebec Valley Boys was probably the most well known of his bands and had a following throughout Maine. In addition to his musical abilities he was most remembered for his entertaining stories told on stage. His showmanship made him the natural entertainer and spokesman for the bands. In 1975 The Kennebec Valley Boys were honored with the Best Bluegrass Band in Maine award by the Maine Country Music Association. Sam, a founding member of the KVB, was playing mandolin at the time. Since he was an accomplished musician able to play violin/fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, bass [and the piano when he was near one] he was a valuable asset to each group. His vocal harmony part of choice was baritone. He made many recordings throughout the years with several bands. He wrote several songs including The Last Log Drive which was used as background music for a Maine documentary and is listed in the Library of Congress. Sam and Edie were interviewed by International Bluegrass Music Association [IBMA] as Pioneers of Bluegrass music in the country. Considered a New England Bluegrass pioneer, he was awarded the Joe Val Heritage Award in 2011. The Bluegrass Association of Maine also recognized him as a pioneer of Bluegrass music. A tribute to Sam was given in his honor June 2009 in Sterling, Connecticut where several hundred fans attended a day of music dedicated to Sam who joined in with various bands on stage. Even though he has passed, the Thibodeau music tradition is carried on by his three sons, David, Marc, Bill and several grandchildren. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, you may make donations to Home and Hospice Care of Rhode Island, 1085 N Main Street, Providence, RI 02904.