Chris Glenn Floy, of Laramie, WY, went to be with our Lord and Savior on Friday, October 9, 2020. After a six-year fight with cancer, Chris was at home surround by his family when he took his last breath here on earth. As we remember Chris and his life’s legacy we start from the beginning.
Chris was born during a snowstorm on April 19, 1956, just north of Pine Bluffs, in Golden Prairie, WY, to Howard “Ross” and Bernice Floy. Chris was raised on a ranch in northwest of Pine Bluffs and graduated from Pine Bluffs High School in 1974. After graduation Chris attended the Denver Institute of Technology where he earned his degree in Architectural Drafting. Thereafter, in 1976, Chris moved to Laramie, were he worked for J.T. Banner & Associates, Inc. A few years later Chris met his lifelong love, Laurie Lynne Keating, and in 1980 they were married in Laramie at the United Presbyterian Church. While building their life and family in Laramie, Chris and Laurie had two little cowboys, Cactus and Colter.
Chris loved the mountains, which he said spoke to his soul. So, it is no surprise that Chris enjoyed hunting and fishing. He especially enjoyed hunting camp, where he was the supreme organizer and camp manager to all who ventured to come along. And it was in the fall of 1986, after moose hunting season was over, Chris begin to work for the University of Wyoming. Chris worked for the University of Wyoming for over thirty-one years, as a Senior Construction Design Contract Specialist. Chris retired from the University in May of 2018.
Upon retirement, Chris did the things he loved most – projects. The biggest project Chris began during his retirement was the design and construction of The Red Barn. His inspiration for the barn came from his childhood days when he would go to the brandings at the Floy Homestead, and his memories of the beautiful gambrel barn that was there. The completed barn is a perfect representation of Chris’ ingenuity, determination, perseverance, and grit.
After many years of teaching and training his sons the cowboy way, Chris began chauffeuring his sons to junior rodeos throughout both WY and CO. And it was in 1996, when Chris’ oldest son started high school that Chris’ love and passion for high school rodeo began. Over the next eighteen years Chris devoted much of his time and energy to high school rodeo, not just in Laramie, but all over the state of Wyoming. It was not until 2014 when Chris permanently relinquished the reigns of the Laramie High School Rodeo Club.
As a member of First Christian Church, Chris knew Jesus as his Lord and Savior, and believed Jesus died on the cross for his sins. In addition to his salvation and steadfast faith in the Lord, Chris had an unmatched strength and valor that carried him through the last six-years. In fact, Chris had the strength of both mind and spirit that enabled him to encounter all of life’s challenges with firmness. Chris was a cowboy; he was worth his salt; he was a mighty man of valor. As we remember Chris and his life’s legacy, we rejoice in knowing Chris was met in heaven by Jesus, who was riding a horse towards him, and said, “Welcome home Chris, welcome home. Let’s go ride and I’ll show you this beautiful place I have prepared just for you.”
Chris is preceded in death by his parents, Howard “Ross” Floy and Bernice Floy (Steinmark) of Pine Bluffs, WY, and his sister, Jodi Howton of Dix, NE; and his father-in-law, Kenneth Keating.
Chris is survived by his beautiful wife Laurie Floy of Laramie, WY; his two grown cowboys, Cactus (Lindsey) Floy of Powell, WY, and Colter (Justina) Floy of Laramie, WY; his four delightful granddaughters, Catelynn and Kindyle Floy of Powell, WY, Leica and Everly Floy of Laramie, WY; his two brothers, Dwayne (Deena) Floy of Cheyenne, WY, Clinton Floy of Ault, CO; his two sisters, Vickie (Doyle) Eggli and Zelma (Edward) Thompson, both of Pine Bluffs, WY; his mother-in-law, Mary Lou Keating; his sister-in-law, Kathleen Keating; his brother-in-law, George Farr all of Albuquerque, NM; as well as many nieces and nephews, and many beloved friends.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 16, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at The ROCK Church, 402 Corthell Rd, Laramie, WY. A reception will immediately follow. Pastor Mike Berry of First Christian Church will be presiding over the service. Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home will be handling funeral arrangements. A graveside service will be held at the Pine Bluffs Cemetery on a later date.
Honorary Pallbearers include significant men in Chris’ life: his two little brothers Clint Floy and Dwayne Floy; childhood friend, John Glenn; and ranching buddies Tony Shifflett and Mark Swanson.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Chris Floy High School Rodeo Memorial Fund, which has been setup at UniWyo Federal Credit Union.
Go to www.montgomerystryker.com to send condolences or to sign the online guestbook.
Lauri, your loss is great. I worked with Chris at the University of Wyoming for many years and I held his opinion and knowledge in high stead. You and your families were so strong for him and sustained him thru the stressful days in the Engineering office. May your renewal of life together in the next phase be as wonderful as this “first time” was. My love to you. Mary Westhoff
Dear Laurie, Cactus, Colter, and your beautiful family, I was so sad to hear of Chris’ passing. We were unable to attend the service as I’m under quarantine for COVID. We have so many wonderful memories and those help us get through the darkest days ahead. We hold you in prayer and know that the love you all share will sustain you. Love to you. Terrialee and Karl Lankford, Lacy and Libby
We are so sorry for the loss of Chris. We know that this has been an arduous time for all.
Dear Laurie, my heart breaks for you in this devastating loss for you and your beloved family. You and he have endured a lot over the years, and now he is pain-free. I pray for your healing and strength, and know how much Chris adored you. You are in my thoughts ad prayers, dear friend.
Laurie and family, I'm so very sorry for your loss of Chris. Know that you are in my prayers.
So sorry for your loss. My God watch over you and your cowboys and take Chris into his loving arms. And ease your pain and that of his brothers and sisters. Kathy Winters(classmate)
So sorry Laurie and Family... such a beautiful obituary, feel like I know a bit about him. A great legacy he leaves with you, the boys and those granddaughters. Prayers and hugs! Marcella Wright
To all of Chris' family I'm so sorry, knowing Chris growing up he was always kind and full of life. This breaks my heart, may God wrap each of you in his arms and bring you comfort each day. There are no words but you are all in our prayers.
Laurie, Cactus & Colter, Our deepest sympathies to you all. I pray you all have strength as you go through this difficult time,. Our prayers are with you all. Mike, Laurie, Ryan and Michael Jaskolski
Laurie and Family, Our deepest sympathies for you and your family. May God bless you all and may his angels wrap his wings around you and your family at this trying time. Sending peaceful thoughts, strength, and prayers to all of you. Sincerely Fernando, Veronica, Zamora, Erma Santistevan, and Family.
You are in my thoughts and prayers! I have heard nothing but great things about Chris and his life!!! Love to you all!
To the Floy Family, I am sorry for your loss. Chris was a wonderful man. Growing up with the family, I have my memories and Chris could always put a smile on my face. Hold dear your memories, I will. Prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Laurie and Family. Sorry for your loss. Prayers and Hugs..
I am sorry to hear of Chris’ passing. I enjoyed seeing Chris and Lauri. The beautiful smiles on their faces. Laurie hold on to the memories. Cactus and Colter I want to send my condolences to you also. Bless each and everyone one of you. Debbie Noel
So sorry to hear about Chris. May you find comfort in your memories of him. Thoughts and prayers to all. Paula Gregory
You are all in our prayers. I always enjoyed Chris' calm and kind manner. And as you say he kept going one day at a time and was out working a project when we saw you not long ago. Hugs to you all. The Golen family
My deepest sympathies to you Laurie and your family. Find peace in remembering and sharing memories of Chris' life with you, family and friends. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Dear Laurie: I was so sorry to hear for your husband's death. My sympathies to you and the rest of your family. I did not know our husband but clearly he was a wonderful man, husband, father, and so on. I hope that your memories of him sustain you doing this time of grief. Mary Burman
Sharing my deepest condolences to the family of Chris Floy. Laurie loves Chris so much and it was obvious every time she talked about him. I loved hearing stories of how you first met, how you rode to rodeos in the middle of storms, the way you raised your cowboys, your love for your grandchildren, and the building of the barn these last few years. Laurie, you have all of my love. I am praying for you all.
Our hearts are hurting for you all, yet at peace knowing that Chris is with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Chris was a shining example of what a real man, husband and father should be. We feel very blessed to have know this amazing man. All of our love to your family.
Laurie, Cactus, and Colter, My mind is filled with sweet memories of your family. Prayers for all of you as you deal with the grief that must be overwhelming right now.
Floy family, We are so saddened to hear of Chris's passing, but know that heaven has made a significant gain in his arrival! Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers! Mark and Margy Johnson
Laurie & family so sorry for the loss your family has suffered. Prayers for you all.
Laurie & family: saying goodbye is always so hard. I loved Chris like a brother. I will miss seeing him most at Trail Days, but I will carry on the tradition, in his honor, for he will live on in my heart. Love & hugs to all.
Laurie, Cactus, and Colter, Our sincere condolences to each of you and your extended family. Chris was not only a great husband, dad, grandfather, and friend to each person he met in his life on earth. May he Rest In Peace and watch over each of you. His spirt will live on and his memory will never be lost, yet cherished by many. Sincerely, Judy and Kelly Robertson
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.. May he ride that happy trail in the sky. He will always be with you and he will be watching and helping all of you. You will meet him again and what a wonderful reunion that will be.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We will meet him again in that great cowboy place. May he ride with the wind and watch over all of you. Holly Beumee
Lots of Prayers & Hugs! Chris truly left a lot of hemself with each one of you!
Sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers. Dustin Miller
Laurie and family, you all are in my thoughts and prayers. This has been such a long and hard struggle for all of you. Just know that Chris isn't hurting anymore. Hug each other, laugh at all the good times you had with Chris and keep the hard times deep in your heart. Love & Prayers, Lois Pine
So sorry for your loss Floy family. You guys are in our thoughts and prayers - Hawkins/Trabing’s
With deepest sympathies, Deryl and Sue Woirhaye
I am so terribly sorry!!! Send you my love & prayers for your comfort. Celia Corson
I am so very sorry, my love and prayers are with your family. Love, Dena Bijold
So sorry for your loss!? Sending hugs and praying for peace and healing for you all. Love, Fortman Family
Floy family so saddened to read. My heart goes out to you all. Remembering his great smile and goodness to all. He taught you boys well. Hugs Laurie Thoughts and prayers will be with you all. Love to you Kris and Bob
So sorry for your loss! ?You are in our hearts and saying prayers for peace and healing for you all! ?! Love, The Fortman Family
Chris is a life long Friend to me. An admirable Man. My life has been better because of Chris.
Floy family, Our deapest sympathies for your loss. Sincerely, Alicia and Thad Hoff
Dear Laurie and family, Our hearts are broken for you. May your memories bring you comfort. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mona and Stacy Gupton
I’m so sorry for your loss. Please know All of the family and friends are in my prayers.
Floy Family, My sympathies for the loss of Chris. Thank you for sharing your amazing father with us for so many years. His knowledge, work ethic, and patience were unsurpassed. Sincerely, Jenn Coast