Floyd Olin Stancliff

Floyd Olin Stancliff

3/26/1921 9/23/2004

Floyd Olin Stancliff passed away on Thursday, September 23, 2004 in Los Angeles following a brief illness. He was born on March 26, 1921 to Floyd and Edith (Newcomb) Stancliff, their fourth and last child. He was raised in Bakersfield and attended local schools, including Kern Union High School and Bakersfield Junior College. Following his graduation he enlisted in the Army and served during World War II as a flutist in the U.S. Army Band.

Upon his discharge he returned to Bakersfield to teach flute. He also accepted a position teaching flute at Whittier College and commuted weekly between Bakersfield and Whittier for more than thirty years. He played in the Kern Philharmonic Orchestra, the predecessor to the current Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra, for more than thirty years and in several ensembles in Whittier. He made several solo recordings of flute music with guitar.

His musical impact on the Bakersfield community and Whittier College was significant as he taught and coached countless students. His many flute students will remember him as a gentle taskmaster who inspired them to make music come alive. He encouraged all to play with understanding and musicality, while motivating them to develop their talents fully.

Floyd is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Marley Bentz of Visalia and their two sons, Derek and David; and by his niece, Patrice Lambourne of Bakersfield and her three children, Ashleigh Casad, Graeme Geddes and Laurel Geddes.

They wish to thank Floyds neighbor and friend, Frank Holichek for his support during Floyds illness. At his request, no services will be held, but memorial donations may be made to the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra.