Floyd A. Broadbent

Floyd A. Broadbent, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend passed away peacefully on January 24, 2012 at Kadlec Medical Center in Richland WA. Floyd celebrated his 98th birthday on January 12th. Floyd's philosophy of life is characterized in his own words, "I've never met a stranger." Those who loved him knew that the only people who were not Floyd's friends were those he hadn't met yet. A nationally recognized artist and carver of wildlife, Floyd spent much of his creative life in the Yakima area. There in his studio, affectionately known as "Floyd's Bird House", he created some of his best work. Using vibrant colors and an artist's steady hand, Floyd was able to create his subjects as they were in their native Northwest habitat. Geese that majestically flew in formation overhead, trout jumping out of the water, and ducks that seemed to come alive in his carver's hands were all part of his craft. Born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, Floyd learned his craft as a teenager in Long Island, New York on a game preserve where his father worked. It was in those early years that people began to recognize his talents. He carved and painted waterfowl and game birds down to the finest detail, selling his creations to the likes of Abercrombie & Fitch and Crossroads of Sports. In 1941 he married his high school sweetheart, Virginia Whelpley. The next year he joined the Army and served as a munitions tech sergeant for General Patton's 3rd Armored Division as they marched across Europe in World War II. During his service in the military he received the Bronze Star and was honorably discharged in 1945. After the war, Floyd and Virginia started a family. During this time, Floyd worked as a salesman to support his 3 children, finally moving from New York to Yakima in 1960 where Virginia's family lived. In 1970, after a successful career in sales, Floyd again picked up his paint brushes and decided to rekindle his passion for art. It didn't take long for Floyd to reestablish himself as an artist. In 1973 Eddie Bauer began featuring Floyd's carved birds in their mail order catalogue. After that, Floyd was creating 400 to 500 birds a year in order to keep up with the orders. In 1982, Floyd began a 20 year venture with Latah Creek Winery in Spokane. To distinguish their label, Latah Creek Winery commissioned Floyd to create a unique painting each year to be featured on the label. He also created a line of collector plates, calendars and mugs featuring his artwork. Floyd used his art to support his family but he also donated much of his time and energy to Yakima charities. He was recognized and appreciated as much for what he gave back as for what he created. Several local chapters of Duck's Unlimited, Pheasants Forever and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation auctioned off Floyd's art at their annual banquets each year. Floyd also devoted many hours to KYVE TV, the Junior League, Rotary, Naches Sportman's Day, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Of the many distinguished honors and awards Floyd received, he was especially proud of his honorary Associate of Arts degree from Yakima Valley Community College issued to him in 1985 for his many contributions to the community. Floyd loved working with children through his art, and traveled to many classrooms to show the mesmerized children how to paint and carve. He always tried to encourage young artists and the frequent visitors to his "Bird House" to follow their dreams. When coming to visit Floyd in his "Bird House" there was no such thing as a brief visit. Visitors knew they would be there for hours. Floyd was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 70 years, Virginia. He is survived by his children Neal Broadbent, Ellen Coomler, and Howard Broadbent, 6 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. A tribute to Floyd is planned for a later date. The family asks that donations be made to KYVE TV (Yakima), Ducks Unlimited, or the charity of your choice.