Longtime Hermiston resident Floyd William Bithell, 79, passed suddenly and unexpectedly from this world Friday, November 23, 2012. He was the oldest son born to Claude and Katherine (Duffy) Bithell in Salt Lake City, Utah, October 17, 1933.

When he was a young boy the family moved to the Portland, Oregon, area known at that time as Upper Highland. He excelled in school and graduated from Milwaukie High School in 1952, where he was involved in football, Honor Society and wrestling. Following high school he joined the U.S. Navy, continuing with his favorite sport, wrestling. It was while Floyd was in the service that he met his future wife, Joanne Maxine Nockelby. They were married May 12, 1958.

Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy he was employed with Conair in California building planes. He had the chance to work with the FAA and began his career with them in Alaska just as it became the 49th state. His first assignment was Bethel, Alaska, later transferring to McGrath and then on to Seattle, Wash., for a short period before moving his family to Pendleton, Oregon. While in Pendleton he was responsible for locating and constructing as well as inspecting instrumentation guidance systems for the FAA. When he retired from the FAA Floyd began West Tec Electronics and eventually teamed with Umatilla Electric to help them begin their satellite program.

In the late 60s he and his wife Joanne started a horse ranch in Pendleton, moving to Hermiston for more available acreage. The ranch became known as Nogotta Rancho where they bred and raised numerous champion Appaloosa horses. They were very active in the Oregon Trail Appaloosa Horse Club, Jo in charge of the club newsletter while Floyd was the unofficial official show announcer among many other offices held. Floyds wife Joanne was killed in an unfortunate horse accident in 1995. In 2003 Floyd and longtime friend Christine Coon met at a BBQ. The friendship grew into love and they were married May 28, 2004. Floyd and Chris have always felt that education is the key to success and have assisted several adults by helping them aquire their GED while also encouraging them to go beyond the high school level. Several have done so which has made them both very proud.

Floyd is survived by his wife Chris at the family home; daughter Bette (Kelly) Strum, Hermiston, Ore.; son Stanley (Meri Kay) Bithell, Coram, Mont.; sister Deleen (Ron) Erickson, Anaheim Hills, Calif.; brothers Doug (Anne) La Verne, Calif., and Bob (Mary), Boring, Ore.; two grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews, and many friends and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Joanne Bithell in 1995, oldest son Michael Bithell in 2011, and youngest sister Kathy Bithell in 2012.

A potluck celebration for Floyd with military honors will be held on June 8, 2013, at the family home beginning at 1:00 p.m. Please bring some chow, toss in a chair and lots of great memories to share.

Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, Oregon, is in care of arrangements.