Floyd Claire Perry-Thistle, born Floyd Claire Perry, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and esteemed music educator, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2024, at the age of 86 in Nevada City, California, after living a full and happy life.
Floyd was born on January 23, 1938, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Harold Claire Perry and Lourenna Caton Perry. He grew up alongside three siblings: Donald, Ann, and Elaine.
Truly a renaissance man, even in high school, Floyd pursued pre-med, choir and piano, flute in the band, and drama. Early in his life, Floyd worked for the USPS, as did his Dad, delivering mail by train. While starting his first family, he pursued at least 10 years of higher education and juggled many different jobs.
As an avid reader, and thanks to the internet and adaptive devices, he never quit seeking knowledge and understanding. He was also an artist, creative craftsman, and photographer who could still “see” stunning images even with Macular Degeneration.
Floyd was proud to be a Conscientious Objector to the War in Vietnam, demonstrating his deep commitment to peace and justice.
Upon coming to California, Floyd worked as a scientist for four years on a Kaiser drug study. Later, he and Joy (working as an RN) worked as household and event managers and caterers in Twin Peaks households.
On Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1971, Floyd married the love of his life, Joy Elizabeth Thistle, at 33 Mountain Spring Ave, S.F., CA. It was a “word of mouth” potluck, with an open invitation to those looking for a place to share, only asking that they bring their best. It gathered family and 175 guests, including notables like Eric “Big Daddy” Nord and Margo St. James and two rock bands. As their marriage was apparently not registered, Judge Robert Tice-Raskin established the fact of their marriage on March 11, 2024. They celebrated their anniversary on Thanksgiving each year and rededicated their marriage 33 years later at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Nevada City, CA (with a potluck).
Floyd and Joy discovered Nevada County visiting Marie Johnson, and in 1973 came here to “raise children” when Floyd was offered a job as broiler chef of the newly opened Owl Tavern. Many will remember his abilities grilling their dinners through the ’70s. Those children were raised to become talented, loving, and responsible adults by their Music in the Mountains and Foothill Theatre Company families. They all performed. A highlight was the joint production, two years running, of Amahl and the Night Visitors, with the boys each taking a turn as Amahl, Joy singing the mother’s role, and Floyd as the Three Kings’ camel driver. The year with Tim Ward as the “frisky” rear end was especially challenging. Floyd’s dream role was The Stage Manager in Our Town. The P-Ts also planned and prepped FTC receptions, MIM Gourmet Dinner fundraisers, soirées, and a Friends Party (with Nate, who was then 14). When Floyd renewed his interest in piano, he studied with Chris Nelson; and in the late ’70s, brought the whole family to the choir loft at Holy Trinity Episcopal to watch Chris play the organ. They found another loving family immediately. They all sang, and in 1984 Bishop John Thompson baptized the boys and confirmed Floyd and Joy.
In the late ’70s and early ’80s, Floyd worked in Mark Toelke’s Furniture shop and as a manager for the Briar Patch (Member #172).
In August of 1993, Floyd and Joy received a plaque from the staff of Nevada County Mental Health in appreciation of twelve years of service as Resident House Managers of the Kate Hayes House. Floyd counted over 200 residents who transitioned there.
When Ben began Suzuki violin lessons in the early ’80s, Floyd was inspired to learn Suzuki Piano Basics with Dr. Kataoka. He spent the last decades of his life teaching piano to children of all ages. His dedication and skill as a teacher helped his students become successful musicians, teachers, performers, artists, and wonderful people. He taught anyone interested in piano, asking only that they pay what they could afford; embodying his generous spirit and commitment to accessibility in education.
Floyd is survived by his beloved spouse, Joy Elizabeth Perry-Thistle, their children Nathaniel and Benjamin, as well as Brenda, Kristen, and Shana from his first marriage. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Chelsey, Brandon, Sidney, and Jacob, as well as two great-grandchildren, Kourtney and Destiny. Floyd’s family was his pride and joy, and his legacy lives on through them as well as his extended family of close friends in the local artistic and church communities.
He was predeceased by his parents and his brother.
A celebration of Floyd’s life will be held at 11 am on June 29, 2024, at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Nevada City, California (live stream available) https://holytrinitynevadacity.org/” and “Music in the Mountains Youth Orchestra: https://musicinthemountains.app.neoncrm.com/forms/23“
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Music in the Mountains Youth Orchestra.
Floyd Claire Perry-Thistle will be remembered for his unwavering love, remarkable achievements, and the joy he brought into the lives of those who knew him.
He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
“When love is deep, much can be accomplished.” – Shinichi Suzuki
