RIP Elson Floyd

[95coug]

The Board of Regents just announced that President Elson Floyd passed away this morning in Pullman. I'm sure the official release will be in the media shortly.

The entire WSU system, not just athletics, has lost a tremendous leader.

http://president.wsu.edu/eflo/

 

[Cougzz]

Huge loss. Way too soon.

 

[YakiCoug]

The Board of Regents just announced that President Elson Floyd passed away this morning in Pullman. I'm sure the official release will be in the media shortly.

The entire WSU system, not just athletics, has lost a tremendous leader.

http://president.wsu.edu/eflo/

His tireless efforts to get a med school and to guide football facility improvements will be remembered and honored for decades to come. This is truly a great loss for WSU, Pullman, higher education, and his family.

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2015/jun/20/wsu-president-elson-floyd-loses-cancer-battle/

 

[wulffui]

He did great things for the university, and will be sorely missed.

 

[spongebob11]

Wow..what a huge loss. Sure wasn't expecting this. He will be missed.

 

[Glad Cougar]

WSU has lost a very good man. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

 

[K51coug]

Elson S. Floyd Stadium

 

[chipdouglas]

Absolutely shocked. Knew he was up against it, but didn't realize it was terminal, inevitable, or that it would come so soon after stepping aside.

RIP.

 

[WC_'sker]

Elson S. Floyd Stadium

So sad...I knew Elson and liked him. How about the "Elson S. Floyd School of Medicine?"

 

[Brent H.]

Awfully news, truly awfully. He did so much for WSU in athletics and in the classroom. He will not be able to be replaced, he was a tremendous president for WSU and took it to heights that no one thought he could take it. RIP Dr. Floyd, WSU, Cougs and the world lost a great man today.

 

[CougInSpain]

I had the distinct honor of meeting Dr Floyd and I can say without a doubt, he is one of the most genuine, sincere and respectable people I have ever known. This is a great loss to WSU and family. RIP sir, you will be missed.

 

[Coug1990]

Shocked and sad. I am speechless. He was bar none the best President that the school ever had. He was perhaps the best President any school ever had. I am so sad for WSU and especially for his family.

He is a man that cannot be replaced. We will all miss you and the world is a little less today.

 

[kayak15]

Dear God, this is appalling. A real blow to not just his family and the school but the whole state. RIP sir. I second the suggestion that the medical school be named after him.

 

[cr8zyncalif]

Humility is best understood after the fact. His condition was obviously a well guarded secret. The guy had done so many good things for Wazzu that it would be hard to put together a comprehensive list without a lot of research. We've had all manner of presidents. Elson was one of the few for whom the word President should be capitalized. And I come back to the humility aspect. If you are great, you are recognized by others without the need for self-publicity. Elson did not need self-publicity and in fact was a master at directing the spotlight elsewhere.

The entire WSU family will miss you, Elson. God Bless You, and rest in peace, knowing that the world in general and WSU in particular is better for your efforts.

 

[SaveFerris]

Dear God, this is appalling. A real blow to not just his family and the school but the whole state. RIP sir. I second the suggestion that the medical school be named after him.

Dr. Floyd was able to change the law. What a great suggestion!

Humility is best understood after the fact. His condition was obviously a well guarded secret. The guy had done so many good things for Wazzu that it would be hard to put together a comprehensive list without a lot of research. We've had all manner of presidents. Elson was one of the few for whom the word President should be capitalized. And I come back to the humility aspect. If you are great, you are recognized by others without the need for self-publicity. Elson did not need self-publicity and in fact was a master at directing the spotlight elsewhere.

The entire WSU family will miss you, Elson. God Bless You, and rest in peace, knowing that the world in general and WSU in particular is better for your efforts.

Agree and well said cr8zy. My thoughts and prayers go out to Dr. Floyd's family and of course Mrs. Floyd. Tremendous work and profound change under Dr. Floyd. A huge loss and far too soon.

 

[Cougsocal]

Cancer is such a bastard. You wouldn't want it to happen to anyone, but to someone who worked so hard for WSU makes it that more tragic. I just hope the end came on quick and was painless.

 

[Coug95man2]

Just got back from Dad's weekend to this news… Wow. A loss that will truly be hard to fill. He was a man that was easy to follow and admire. Was able to keep his cool and rarely raised his voice but knew how to elevate those around him. Truly, truly sad. And on all weekends, Father's Day Weekend...

 

[Loyal Coug]

Absolutely shocked. Knew he was up against it, but didn't realize it was terminal, inevitable, or that it would come so soon after stepping aside.

RIP.

I had no idea either. Clearly the rumors ended up being true, and they were out there for a long time. I was told today that the Regents and administrators all knew it was the end, and that after ESF made the announcement it was known that he would not be back. Take a look at the WSU website - beautiful tribute, which was clearly not just thrown together over the weekend. Amazing that it was kept to just rumors, especially as he was in Olympia much of the Spring working on the Med School.

I am so glad I had my (first) colonoscopy a couple of years ago. Might not wait the full 5 for my next one. And the lovely Mrs. Loyal has received orders that she will get in for one, although it is a bit early, age-wise. We knew a woman who died from colon cancer in her very early 50's. Never saw it coming.

 

[SCglory]

His tireless efforts to get a med school and to guide football facility improvements will be remembered and honored for decades to come. This is truly a great loss for WSU, Pullman, higher education, and his family.

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2015/jun/20/wsu-president-elson-floyd-loses-cancer-battle/

Ditto. I would guess that a major, major naming effort will be a part of the new med school.....major building

 

[wazzubruce]

So very sad to see Dr. Floyd's passing, he was a great man and a great Coug! He will very much be missed ! My condolences to his family.

 

[Flatlandcoug]

No doubt that losing Dr. Floyd is a huge loss for WSU. It's times like these when you realize that our petty arguments about football really are petty. This has been an eye opening month for me. My mother died last week, my aunt's mother in law died the day after her, one of my co-worker's father died a couple days after that, numerous other famous people have died in the past couple and WSU has lost one of the greatest leaders in the school's history. What a crappy month.

 

[Coug1990]

No doubt that losing Dr. Floyd is a huge loss for WSU. It's times like these when you realize that our petty arguments about football really are petty. This has been an eye opening month for me. My mother died last week, my aunt's mother in law died the day after her, one of my co-worker's father died a couple days after that, numerous other famous people have died in the past couple and WSU has lost one of the greatest leaders in the school's history. What a crappy month.

I feel horrible for you Flat. I am truly sorry for all of your losses. My prayers are with you, your family, and friends.

 

[spongebob11]

No doubt that losing Dr. Floyd is a huge loss for WSU. It's times like these when you realize that our petty arguments about football really are petty. This has been an eye opening month for me. My mother died last week, my aunt's mother in law died the day after her, one of my co-worker's father died a couple days after that, numerous other famous people have died in the past couple and WSU has lost one of the greatest leaders in the school's history. What a crappy month.

Damn...sorry to hear that Flat. We've been there as well. You are correct about the arguments on here being petty. Condolences. Hang in there.

 

[Coug95man2]

And now, I'll say this… I agree with Sponge AND 1990… Flat, that's a crappy, crappy week/month… When I lost my father, I had a whole string, like you have. I feel ya and I'm so sorry, man. Thoughts and prayers your way, in tandem to the Floyd Family. EDIT: reminds me of Mr. Floyds quote I use as my signature.

 

[froropmkr72]

No doubt that losing Dr. Floyd is a huge loss for WSU. It's times like these when you realize that our petty arguments about football really are petty. This has been an eye opening month for me. My mother died last week, my aunt's mother in law died the day after her, one of my co-worker's father died a couple days after that, numerous other famous people have died in the past couple and WSU has lost one of the greatest leaders in the school's history. What a crappy month.

That much loss might leave you temporarily feeling like a hobo and that's alright at times. Better later than sooner. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6V5DXk6TbA It's never too late for a lullaby....sometimes we sing it for ourselves as much.

 

[Flatlandcoug]

Thanks for the kind words. I'm glad that WSU was lucky enough to get to know Elson Floyd for a few years. His wife undoubtedly knows that both her and Dr. Floyd will be a part of the Cougar Family forever.