Longtime Sandy resident, Floyd Daniels died at his home on Sunday, August 9, 2009. He was 81.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 14, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Sandy located on Bluff Road. Burial will follow at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland.
Floyd William Daniels was born on October 4, 1927 in Chapman, Nebraska to Floyd S. Daniels and Mary (Banish) Daniels. As a young boy the family moved to Oregon, making their home in Elgin where he was raised and received his schooling. At the age of 18, he entered the U.S. Navy on June 6, 1945. He was honorably discharged on July 18, 1946. He moved to LaGrande where he met and later married Juanita Westenskow on December 2, 1947. They made their home in LaGrande for a short time and began their family. They later moved to Portland where Floyd was an entrepreneur. He worked in a mill and also attended school to become a body fender mechanic which he did for a short time. He was also owner and operator of a popcorn wagon and ice cream truck. He later furthered his education and attended Barbering College. Floyd was known as “Floyd the Barber” in the various areas in which he worked.
In the 1970’s, Floyd became interested in the art of healing through vitamins and herbs. He later became owner and operator of Floyd’s Health Foods in Portland, Hood River, and Klamath Falls areas. In the early 1980’s, Floyd and Juanita moved to Parkdale where it became a retreat not only for them but for their children and grandchildren. Many happy memories were created during those years from sledding, picnics, hiking and playing games.
Besides pursuing his career as a Health Food Store Owner, he became an Iridologist. He trained, taught and lectured throughout the United States helping people understand nutrition and the use of herbs. He was very successful as a District Manager for Nature Sunshine Products.
In 1989, Floyd’s life was changed forever when he was struck down with a massive stroke which left him paralyzed on his right side and without the ability to speak. Even in this great challenge, he was patient, kind and chose to be happy. For 20 years he blessed the doctors, nurses, friends and family members with his generous love and kind spirit. In 1994, Floyd and Juanita moved to Sandy to be near their family and make their permanent home. After Juanita’s death in 1998, Floyd lived with his son Gary who cared for him until his death.
Mr. Daniels was a member of the Tickle Creek Ward, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Sandy where he was actively involved as a greeter where he developed many loving friendships. In his early years, he was involved in Kiwanis, Toastmasters, Scouts and other community organizations.
Floyd loved spending time with family in activities such as camping, sightseeing, annual family vacations, playing games and trips to the Oregon Coast. He was a great bowler and loved to compete in the leagues and tournaments. He also enjoyed spending time outdoors and the beauty of nature. Floyd loved backpacking trips, hiking, hunting and fishing with the Scouts, family members and friends. He had a great love for music and was blessed with a beautiful singing voice along with the talent of playing the saxophone. He enjoyed singing in local Barber Shop Quartets and singing with his family around the piano. Floyd was many things to many people, but most of all he was kind, generous, a natural leader, a good husband and provider and a wonderful father who will be greatly missed.
Surviving are his children, Sharon Morrison of Bozeman, Montana, Gary Daniels of Sandy, Gwen Drebin of Beaverton and Lori Braun of Damascus; his brother Russ Daniels of Hot Springs, South Dakota; 15 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his sister Gloria and his loving wife Juanita.