Obituary of Barry James Floyd

Barry James Floyd passed peacefully on Thursday, January 18, 2024, following a sudden heart attack. He left with his closest people right beside him holding his hands. As he did in life, so did he in death; he did it his way. He treasured his family and friends, loved Loveland and never met a stranger. “Bear” had a big heart and a twinkle in his eye. He was genuine, without pretense, kind, generous almost to a fault, loving, funny and ornery. He was one of a kind.

Barry was born May 2, 1947, in Borger, Texas, to James Berlin and Alma Ruth (née Mayes) Floyd, the first of the couple’s three children. The family lived in Dumas, Texas, where as a young boy Barry learned the importance of hard work helping his dad and uncle Kenneth in the family’s chain of Piggly Wiggly grocery stores. That early work ethic followed him his entire life.

The family moved to Loveland in 1960 to an idyllic home on the Big Thompson River, fondly known as the “Floyd Pony Ranch” when Barry was just entering the eighth grade at Truscott Elementary School. With his gregarious nature and contagious humor accompanied by that unique Texas drawl, he soon developed many lifelong friends. He was a proud member of the Class of 1965, the last class to attend Loveland High at what is now Bill Reed Middle School and the first class to graduate from the “new” high school, now Loveland High. ”Jumpin’ jive, man alive, we’re the class of ‘65!”

Ever the athlete, Barry began his college career on a football scholarship, first attending Mesa College, then the University of North Texas, Colorado State, and graduating from West Texas A&M with an economics degree in 1969. His first job as a young graduate was with the City and County of Denver, traveling the state visiting county seats to train tax assessors. His company car, a Gremlin, was a frequent sight with his snow skis strapped on top as he made the best of each work week on the western slope. Barry had a map of Colorado in his head and delighted in sharing his favorite places with Diane, sans any GPS. He loved Colorado!

He later founded his own appraisal company and earned his real estate broker’s license. He owned and operated Logistics Real Estate and Development for many years, specializing in restoring historic properties in Loveland. Barry wasn’t a developer so much as he was a preserver and restorer of history. Many of downtown Loveland’s buildings today still stand as a result of his vision and commitment to revitalizing and preserving Loveland’s history. One of his greatest joys was seeing the Loveland Feed and Grain building preserved and celebrated, along with the addition of affordable housing for the artists he so greatly appreciated.

His many years spent living on Lake Loveland were perfect for his adventuresome spirit. He enjoyed cruising on his pontoon boat, paddleboarding and kayaking and loved the huge July 4th parties he hosted each year. Everyone was welcome at Barry’s table. It was a surprise to many when Barry and Diane sold the Lake Loveland property and moved west to a mountaintop acreage quickly dubbed “Almost Heaven.” He loved life on the mountain and was content to enjoy the spectacular views afforded by the property.

Fast, fun cars were an early passion for Barry that stuck with him throughout life. A love of road trips, camping and all kinds of travel fed his adventurous soul. Some of his favorite memories were extended trips to Spain and England and an epic road trip with Diane up the coast of California on the way to weeks in Victoria, Canada. He spent his life on Highway 287 which runs through both Loveland and his hometown of Dumas, Texas. He was working on a plan to make Highway 287 the equivalent of its better-known cousin, Route 66. Barry was ever the visionary planner.

Music was a huge part of Barry’s life. He loved The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and had the opportunity not only to see them live many times, but also to meet them in person. Hands down, however, he loved John Denver and his music. He was so proud to have seen John Denver at Red Rocks multiple times. He and Diane shared that love of live music and traveled to many concerts.

Perhaps Barry’s greatest joy in recent years was the love and companionship of Bailey the GoldenDoodle. The two were as one, bonded completely. The gray-haired man and the big white dog were a common sight downtown. They loved each other beyond measure.

Barry is survived by his wife, Diane, and their beloved GoldenDoodle, Bailey; siblings Stephen Royce Floyd, Cleveland Heights, Ohio and Jamie Carol Bryan, Haysville, Kansas; treasured nieces Alaynna (Aaron) Herring, AnnElise (Matt) Irick, of Derby, Kansas, and Andrea Leiker of Hutchinson, Kansas; special double cousin Ken Floyd of Arlington, Texas and a host of friends and family throughout Colorado and across the country.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant son, two infant nephews and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Barry was loved by many people of all walks of life. His passing leaves a void that won’t ever be filled. A celebration of his remarkable life will be held at the place he loved, Almost Heaven, on June 8, 2024. It’s our hope that there will be many “Barry stories”, sharing of photos and memories and a joyous recollection of a life so richly lived. Should you wish to remember Barry, contributions may be made to the First Christian Church of Loveland in care of Viegut Funeral Home.

You can read more about Barry in the Reporter Herald at

https://www.reporterherald.com/2024/01/26/barry-floyd-remembered-as-true-lovelander/

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