Floyd Walker, 90

Floyd Walker passed away peacefully on May 12, 2025, at the age of 90. Born on June 5, 1934, in Port Angeles, Washington, Floyd was the son of Fred and May Walker and the middle of three brothers. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Leroy and Edward.

A proud graduate of Roosevelt High School in Port Angeles, Class of 1952, Floyd was a standout athlete who lettered in basketball, football, and track. From a young age, he demonstrated a strong work ethic—one of his earliest jobs was helping to build the road to Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park.

In 1961, Floyd married Janet Olsen. The following year, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. After completing his service, he began a career with the Sherwin-Williams Paint Company in Seattle, where their first son, Steve, was born. His leadership and dedication earned him a promotion to district manager, relocating the family to the Bay Area of California in 1967, where their second son, Mike, and daughter, Marla, were born.

In 1972, drawn back to the natural beauty of the Puget Sound, Floyd and Jan settled in Gig Harbor’s Seacliff community, where they would raise their family and where Floyd would live for the rest of his life. He later became self-employed as a wall covering installation specialist and all-around handyman—quickly earning a reputation as one of the most respected professionals in his field. Among the many projects he took pride in, helping restore Old Fort Nisqually in Tacoma stood out, reflecting his deep commitment to craftsmanship and local history.

Floyd’s love of sports extended into decades of coaching—beginning with his own children and continuing with countless others in the Gig Harbor community. He was a founding member of the Peninsula Soccer Club, which would later grow into Harbor Soccer. Floyd wore many hats within the organization and continued to coach long after his children had moved on.

His enthusiasm for the sport also led him to serve as a Goodwill Games Ambassador and to volunteer with the Tacoma Stars professional soccer team during their early years. Known for their warmth and hospitality, Floyd and Jan often opened their home during the holidays, welcoming players without nearby family to share Thanksgiving dinner.

In retirement, Floyd found joy in his vegetable garden, at the mountain cabin he built near the Nisqually entrance to Mount Rainier National Park, and in passing on his knowledge of tools and craftsmanship to his grandchildren. More than skills, he passed along the enduring values of hard work, kindness, and integrity.

Floyd is survived by his wife of 64 years, Janet; his children Steve (Jeannine), Mike, and Marla (Alec) Klipper; and his beloved grandchildren, Jake and Kylie Klipper. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched—through his craftsmanship, his coaching, and, most of all, his devotion to family.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the many healthcare workers at the MultiCare Cancer Institute in Gig Harbor who supported Floyd through a 21-year battle with cancer and 5 months with Home Hospice care. A special thank you goes to Darlene, the hospice care aide whose compassion and support brought comfort during Floyd’s final months.