Floyd Curtis Bedbury

Floyd Curtis Bedbury

Floyd Bedbury Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 27, 2011.
Bedbury, Floyd Curtis Beloved Husband, Uncle, Friend, Olympian Age 73, of Falcon Heights, died from cancer on March 25, 2011. Preceded in death by parents, Harry and Grace Bedbury; brothers, Alan and Meryl. Survived by devoted wife, Janet Pankonin; daughter, Gayle; brother-in -law, Bruce Pankonin (Nancy Darcy), and many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends. Special thank you to friend Eric Oftedahl. Floyd is a 2 time Olympic Speedskater, and his entire life symbolized the Olympic Spirit. Floyd's passions were advocating the sport of speedskating, flying, music, photography, world traveling, cycling, car racing and being a volunteer coach. His personality was matchless. He lived his life with charisma and was an inspiration to everyone who had the privilege to meet him. He could go anywhere in the world and find a friend in a complete stranger. His house was always open to those most at need along with international athletes under his coaching. Floyd's dedication, skill, and influence in coaching athletes developed pupils that compete at the National, World Cup and Olympic level. Visitation Tuesday (March 29th) from 5-7 PM and on Wednesday from 12 noon until time of service. Funeral Service Wednesday, at 1:00 PM in the HOLCOMB-HENRY-BOOM- PURCELL FUNERAL HOME, 515 Hwy. 96 W., at Mackubin, Shoreview. Interment Roselawn Cemetery. Memorials preferred to Guidant John Rose MN Oval. Holcomb-Henry-Boom-Purcell 651-482-7606 www.holcombhenryboom.com

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Sign Floyd Bedbury's Guest Book

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March 21, 2022

Bob Cardinal posted to the memorial.

May 10, 2011

Mark Hugo posted to the memorial.

May 9, 2011

Kathleen McGraw posted to the memorial.

Bob Cardinal

March 21, 2022

I simply wanted to, once again, remember Floyd and spiritually thank him for his inspirational teaching my son Jason how to winningly learn the artful skills of speedskating. And, of course, being the fun loving neighbor along with wife Janet to my parents!

Blessings,
Bob Cardinal & Cardinal Family

Mark Hugo

May 10, 2011

Floyd was such a character. He spent a night shouting directions at me while I was inline racing at the Oval. He didn't know my name. He later apologized. I told him, "Floyd, I know your reputation...I'm glad you were shouting, I was LISTENING to everything you were telling me to do!" I later got to known Floyd, and found him a delightful fellow. He will be missed.

Mark Hugo

Kathleen McGraw

May 9, 2011

I'm sorry to hear of his passing. Floyd was my coach in the Northern Lights Speedskating club in the 70's. I remember him fondly. He was a wonderful storyteller and a gentle and patient coach to a bunch of novice little kids. His passing is our world's loss.

Alyssa Dooley

April 11, 2011

Janet,

Being so far away from school, this is the first that I have heard that floyd has passed. I am so sorry to hear this. He was such an amazing person that had a huge impact on my life. He taught me so many life lessons that I still use and will continue to use. He gave me confidence in myself. He made me feel as though I was a part of the family. If you ever need anything please call me! I love you both very much.

April 11, 2011

Janet, We were so sad to hear of Floyd's passing. He was always a friendly face to see at the oval. I truly felt welcomed by Floyd and by you of course whenever I was at the oval. I always sought him out because I so enjoyed the stories of his latest adventures. It was a privledge to know him. Cathy and Jim Carrabre and family.

April 7, 2011

Skip and Sue Meredith

April 7, 2011

Floyd brought such joy into our lives for so many years. Though it was obvious that we would never be competitive athletes, much less world-class athletes, he still took the time to coach and teach us to skate well enough to enjoy skating. There are many memories and stories that we will always hold dear. Some of my favorites are the time I beat him in ping-pong. He was amazed that I could beat him in anything and wouldn’t let me go until he beat me back. I will also never forget the little ride he took us on in the Camero. Floyd was unselfish and generous with his time and energy and we appreciate how much Janet also did to allow that to happen. We’ll forever hear you saying, “more sit, work the corner, ride that stroke, and above all get out of your comfort zone!” You changed our lives, Floyd.

Sara Wastvedt

April 6, 2011

Janet and Gayle,
I am so sad to learn of Floyd's death. Floyd and I learned to fly gliders at the same time at Stanton. That was 40 years ago, but the imprint Floyd made on me is still fresh. His encouragement and belief in me (at age 15!) helped me believe in my own potential. Floyd was one of the few truly inspiring persons I have known. And Gayle, he was so proud of you!
My heart goes out to you, Gayle and Janet.

Stacey Johnson

April 3, 2011

That face, that face, that beautiful face that Floyd loved and all of us respected Janet...that is you! He was the man, the myth, the machine...and everyone of us who have had the privelage of knowing this amazing man, has made us even better humans. I loved his energy, his commitement to making a better life for those he was passionate about....that meant "everyone" he came in contact with. He is for sure, a one of a kind!!!

With Love and Respect, Stacey Johnson

Ian Westray

April 2, 2011

My tiny window into Floyd's life the last handful of months seems to have been pretty consistent with the reactions of others who'd known him much longer. His vitality was something to witness; a conversation with Floyd crackled with that. It was a privilege to share his perspective on the sport he devoted himself to, and a pleasure to just kick stuff around with the man. He was full of life, and opinions, and personality. That black-and-white photo on the newspaper sites is perfect. Floyd was coming right at us.

Janet would be there with Floyd, that went without saying. Unfailingly, graciously, she was going to be there. If only we all had that sort of companionship.

Clea and I still have some things about wolves to ask, Floyd. We'll catch up on that sometime later on.

Dan & Amy (Collins) Mayer

April 1, 2011

Janet - We both remember you speaking so fondly of Floyd when we worked with you at the Dining Center & Terrace. So sorry to hear of his passing. Sending peaceful healing energy to you and your family.

Anna Krogman

March 30, 2011

There are no words to express the love and gratitude I have for you (Floyd) as a man, a human being and a mentor (even in many ways a 2nd father). You and Janet have shown me unconditional love and walked beside me through good times and bad, there is no one in this world or the next whom I know with as much strength and love to give as you have and will continue to do in heaven. I know you are watching over me and all who you have loved in your life. I will forever be marked by the love you have shown/given me, even if its taking pictures of me tripping over rocks or drinking coke looking through old photo albums or just spending time in your presence. With all the memories you have given me I will never forget your electrifying smile and contagious laugh. You are and always will be an inspiration to me.

March 30, 2011

Dear Janet,
We were so sorry to hear of Floyd’s passing. We all have many fond memories of speedskating. When I think of Floyd I will always see him in his navy blue skin coming to the starting line and you at the edge of track cheering him on. He could be such a jokester; I’ll never forget when he planned with and all the other “senior men” to come to the starting line and when I shot the starting gun they all fell down on the starting line! They all thought that was pretty funny, but of course, I had to give them all a false start!
Floyd will always be an icon in the world of speedskating. I hope you find comfort, peace and joy in the memories of all the good times you had together. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Rose, Jerry and Michelle Kline
Cambridge, MN

Anna Krogman

March 30, 2011

Floyd may the wings of angels be as fast for you as wheels, may the breeze in your face be as cold as the winds from your blades and may your heart be as happy in heaven as it was on earth...you will always be loved, honored and remembered Floyd C Bedbury...I love you ALWAYS & FOREVER!!!

Anna Krogman

March 30, 2011

Floyd may the wings of angels be as fast for you as wheels, may the breeze in your face be as cold as the winds from your blades,
and
may your heart be as happy in heaven as it was on earth...
YOU will always be loved, honored and remembered Floyd C Bedbury!!!!
I love you ALWAYS & FOREVER!!!

Dick Smith

March 29, 2011

Dear Janet and Family,
We in the Minnesota Soaring Club remember Floyd for his limitless enthusiasm when he was active in the club. He obviously devoted the same kind of effort to his other endeavors in the sporting world.
Our sincere sympathies to you in your loss.
Dick and Eve Smith

Martha Flynn

March 29, 2011

Dear Janet,

My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. You and Floyd were such a wonderful pair bringing smiles and happiness to so many people.

I will miss him very much.

March 29, 2011

Dear Janet, Floyd was a one of a kind! We will miss his smiling face
sooo much. We are so sorry for your loss. See you soon. Love ya!
Brent, Donna and Family

Suzanne Schumitz

March 29, 2011

Dear Janet and Family,

Sending our love and prayers! So many wonderful memories . . . a lifetime of them, really! From weekends spent at the soaring field to family visits over the years. We will all miss Floyd's love and zest for life! Love, Suzanne (Catlin) Schumitz and Family

Geri Davis

March 29, 2011

Janet, I am thinking of you and praying for you all at this time of sadness. Floyd and you shared such a wonderful life together and i know that in time those memories will help you through this grief.

Your cousin, Geri

Dick Anderson

March 28, 2011

Floyd was an amzing person..... It's has been years since I last spent time with Floyd. In the early 70's I took Floyd for an airplane ride in a Ballanca, and from that moment on, he was hooked....

Susan B.

March 28, 2011

I cannot begin to tell you all the things I remember about Floyd. He has been an friend of mine for years. Everything from a ping pong story to shooting 22's in the back woods. Floyd was a tireless advocate for speed skating and worked so hard to further so may people's records. His love of bicycling was just as straight forward as he was. Will miss the fact that he is not here with us any longer. My prayers go out to his wife Janet and extended family of other sports enthusiasts. May God hold you close to His heart in the upcoming days.

Dan Lynch

March 28, 2011

Mrs. B,

I called Floyd after the last P. Press article came out. He couldn't have been any more cordial, My Brother David Lynch speedskated with him at Como and they traveled to Winnipeg together. "The Shop Pond Gang". I was 11 years younger but used to go out to como in the mid 50's and watch them skate. Cherish the memories!

Jamie LPN

March 28, 2011

I was very fond of Floyd and Janet. Their stories were amazing and a bright spot of my day. I will miss Floyd deeply but remember him dearly.

Joe Girma

March 28, 2011

Floyd was an amazing person. I have never met someone that is so kind, and willing to help any and everyone around him. Janet my prayers with you and the family. I will miss Floyd so much.

Kate Ryan

March 28, 2011

Janet, My thoughts are with you. Floyd was a remarkable man and will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. Kate Ryan

Reid Katzung

March 27, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with Floyd's immediate family and his large, extended family within the speedskating community. His passion was something I always admired.

Bob Selby

March 27, 2011

Dear Janet and Family,

So sorry to hear about Floyd's passing. Our thoughs and prayers are with you. We will cherish forever all the memories we have had with both you and Floyd during our many years in speedskating. I especially remember a meet in the early years before Salt Lake had the indoor arena. Of course I would always have to remind Floyd to step away from the starting line so we could start the race. Well the staff at Salt Lake ran out of starter blanks for the 22 pistol. All they had available was a 757 magnum with live shells. Somehow I forgot to ask Floyd to move away from the starting line and we started the race with the 757 long barrel pistol. It was so loud, I thought Floyd was going to fall out of his skin. He loved telling that story and never let me forget it.

Agustina

March 27, 2011

Dear Janet,
There are no words I can say of what you are going through right now. You and Floyd are one of the most amazing people I've met here in America. Janet you are very brave. I am very heart broken. Floyd, wherever you are now, You will always be in my heart and I will always remember you wherever I go. You are amazing and one of a kind. Prayers for you in your next journey. I love You Floyd...

Me with Floyd and Janet

Agustina L.

March 27, 2011

March 27, 2011

Dear Janet and family,
Love, thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn Floyd's death. "He fought the good fight and the race is won".
Many happy memories from "51-'56 at Murray High School.
Barb (and George) Carley
Mesa, Arizona

Heidi Dahlmann

March 27, 2011

My family met Floyd in Salt Lake City in 2000. It was literally a life-changing experience, since he invited us to ride at the National Sports Center velodrome in Minnesota. His tip led us to visit MN, and eventually half of us moved to Minneapolis to live, work, and train in the Twin Cities! Ten years after meeting Floyd in Utah, he was still fond of telling everyone the story the day we first met--when my sister and I crashed out together while training at the newly-opened Olympic Oval. He was very impressed by that. He seemed to have funny stories about everyone. ;) The midwest skating scene will truly not be the same without him. My condolences to all of his family and friends...

Bob Cardinal

March 27, 2011

Dear Janet and family,

Floyd was the guy that changed my son's life...training him to the top ranks of speedskating here in Minn. ...and of course, he unselfishly helped my Mom and Dad - year after year- as their best neighbor and friend...may Floyd rest in peace !

Myrtis DuFresne

March 27, 2011

Dear Janet,
I was so sorry to read of Floyd's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Myrtis Grahn DuFresne

Denise Caley

March 27, 2011

Floyd you have touch and inspired so many people in ways that you may never have known. A true Olympian on so many levels. Myself and my daughters were so incredibly blessed to have known you, shared life experiences with you, and to have loved you. I wish you well on this next journey for you surly will be welcomed into open arms of Universal Love. Your pain has been taken from you and your spirit now is free to fly. Fly my friend and every so often send us a sign that you are smiling down on us.

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Sign Floyd Bedbury's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

March 21, 2022

Bob Cardinal posted to the memorial.

May 10, 2011

Mark Hugo posted to the memorial.

May 9, 2011

Kathleen McGraw posted to the memorial.