Biography: E.P ?Perk? Floyd, age 92, of Little Rock, died January 1, 2011. He was born July 18, 1918 in Nathan, Arkansas to the late Joseph Reed and Martha Parker Floyd and was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Leanah Larkin Floyd; his sister,Winnie Wallace; and brother, Joseph P. Floyd. Perk is survived by his two sons, Martin Floyd and his wife Margaret of Cheneyville, Louisiana and Larkin and his wife Pam of Berryville, Arkansas. Cherished grandchildren and great grandchildren who have been entrusted with his many stories and family jokes include Morgan Floyd, Amy Peck, Jesse and Kristie Floyd and their children, Dyllan and Brooklyn; Neil and Megan Osam and son, Evan; and David and Juliet Moore and their children, Ryan and Carleigh. Also left to honor his memory are nieces and nephews, Joe Floyd, Teri Floyd, and Pete and Ginger Crippen. A graduate of the University of Arkansas, Perk began his career as a professor of sciences at Northeastern University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. He retired in 1971 as a Commander in the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and went on to work as an administrator in the Office of Research and Monitoring at the Environmental Protection Agency. Always an avid outdoorsman and an early environmentalist, Perk received both state and national recognition for his work, including most recently the Arkansas Wildlife Federation?s Conservationist of the Year in 2009. As a research scientist, Perk had a keen intellect, but he will also be remembered for his cheerful spirit and his lively sense of humor. He was as comfortable teaching eager first-graders the joys of bird watching as he was presenting a scientific publication to the National Audubon Society. He especially enjoyed hosting birding groups at his lakeside home in Hensley, Arkansas where they could assist in the intricate process of banding hummingbirds. Some of his happiest times were spent on the trail, backpacking much of the Appalachian and Ozark Highlands trails. He also enjoyed fly fishing and photography and was a formidable tennis and chess player well into his 80?s. Reflecting recently on his life, Perk said ?it has been a barrel of fun.? A memorial service honoring this life well-lived will be held at 2:00 P.M.,January 15 at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Little Rock where he was a long time member. Reverend Bob Klein will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com. Memorial donations may be made to the Audubon Society or the charity of choice.
Lew and I were so saddened to learn of Perk's passing. We had the great pleasure of taking him to lunch several times after Leanah died, and knew he was frail but truly didn't see this coming so soon. We are sincerely sorry for the loss of both your parents, especially over such a short period of time. We would have been at Perk's service yesterday if Lew had not still been recovering from surgery complications, as we would have been at Leanah's service had we not been out of state attending a service for Lew's parents, both of whom died within 4 months of each other.
Having known Perk for more than 30 years, we can say without a doubt that of all the people we have ever known, he was instrumental in sparking our love of nature in general and birds in particular because of the infectious enthusiasm with which he shared his vast reservoir of knowledge. He is simply a gem that cannot be replaced, as is Leanah, and we will miss them both tremendously.
But we also find comfort in knowing that he and Leanah are together now in perfect health in a place of peace and joy that makes the beauty of our natural world pale in comparison, and that, along with Leanah and all the people he has ever loved who have passed on before him, all of the hummingirds of heaven were there to greet him and that they are now with him forever.
With our most sincere sympathy,
Kristin and Lewis Huddle