Floyd Kenneth Solum, 87, died at his home in Oak Harbor on March 17, 2009, following a lengthy illness. He was born in Missoula, Mont., Dec. 25, 1921, to Otto Mathias and Nellie Rae (Nurse) Solum.

Floyd was raised in Missoula. Following graduation from high school, he worked as a logger. World War II began and Floyd entered the service, serving with the U.S. Navy. He was assigned duty as a radioman. When the war ended, he left the service and returned to logging. The Korean War began and Floyd returned to service. He eventually decided to stay with the Navy and retired as a master chief radioman (E-9) with over 24 years of service. He was married to the former Gwendolyn H.M. Wettre in San Diego, on Jan. 5, 1957.

Floyd was a black-shoe sailor spending most of his service time at sea. He was assigned duty aboard a sub chaser (SC-1064), USS Rolf (DE-362), USS Pollux (AKS-4), USS Carmick (DMS-33), USS Rombach (DE-364), USS Hopewell (DD-681), USS Uhlmann (DD-687) and the aircraft carrier USS Bennington (CV-20). His first duty station aboard NAS Whidbey Island was in 1958.

While stationed here, he and Gwen purchased their home, which they rented out when their duty stations changed. He retired on Nov. 16, 1967, and Oak Harbor became their home.

Floyd went to work at the Anacortes plywood mill for many years until it burned down. He then sought work at the plywood and shake mill in Bellingham.

Floyd loved gardening, singing, and selling tulips at the Oak Harbor and Coupeville farmers market for many years. He also loved to build rustic birdhouses.

Floyd was a true Renaissance man, reciting poetry, story telling and using the Latin names for his plants. He had a warm and tender heart. He loved lutefisk and advertised that on his license plates. He was a patriot and enjoyed participating in parades, Memorial Day and Veterans Day events and was always ready to participate in memorial services. He called on shipmates who were confined to care facilities or house bound.

Floyd never tired of his logging skills. He was a craftsman with the crosscut saw, preferring if over a chainsaw. He also enjoyed clam-digging, beach combing and collecting fishing floats.

Floyd is survived by his wife of 52 years, Gwen at the family home, Oak Harbor; and by three children and their spouses, Lt. Col. Matthew Stanley Solum, USAF (Ret) and wife Lynna Dianne Solum of Spokane; Capt. Janice Margaret Wynn, USN and husband Richard of Monterey, Calif., and Ltc. Benjamin Otto Solum, USA and wife Susan Solum of Platte City, Mo.; and two granddaughters, Kristi and Nicole Solum of Spokane. One brother Ernest (Pat) Solum, one sister Margaret Solum, all of Missoula and brother Alan (Geri) Solum of Kalispell, Mont., as well as numerous nieces and nephews also survive. Two brothers, Ralph and Les, preceded him in death.

Memorial services for Floyd Solum will be held Saturday, March 21, at 10 a.m. at Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor, with Pastor Jerry Buss from Oak Harbor Lutheran Church officiating. Full military honors will follow under the auspices of the NAS Whidbey Island Honor Guard. A reception for family and friends will follow at the Fleet Reserve Association Branch 97 of Oak Harbor with a scattering of some of his remains at the Fleet Reserve and also on his home garden. Burial at sea to follow under the auspices of the U.S. Navy. Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.

Floyd, also known as “Pop” by his children and “Bean” by his Montana relatives, was a member of the Fleet Reserve Association, Tin Can Sailors, Inc. and the Destroyer-Escort Sailors Association.