Robert Newton Floyd

After 63 years of loving, living, and giving, Robert Newton Floyd—architect, energy expert, and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many--passed away at home in his sleep on the morning of Dec. 14, 2011. Robert was born in Dallas, Texas on October 6, 1948. Robert was the founder and owner of ARC INC, consultants and architects. He had served in numerous public roles, including: Chairman of the Austin Electric Utility Commission; a member of the National Energy Committee of the American Institute of Architects; Commercial and Industrial Energy Efficiency Program Manager for the Tennessee Valley Authority; Resource Management Commissioner for the City of Austin and on many other alternative and conventional energy boards and commissions. In addition, he had served as a consultant to the Department of Energy, AES Aurora, TVA, the Lower Colorado River Authority, the State of Texas, the National Association of Home Builders and others. Robert was the co-author of a series of government research publications on the design of the built environment and was a regular speaker and lecturer at the University of Texas.

Robert was an accomplished designer and astute businessman. He was an expert and visionary in energy efficiency and sustainability, 30 years ahead of his time. He won a national design award for the design of a solar school building. His skills and talents as an architect were demonstrated in the design and construction of additions to the built environment that were both functional and beautiful. Robert never failed to think about sustainability for the future. Robert was a 1967 graduate of Austin High School and a leader in the community. He was a licensed architect who earned his bachelor's degree in Architecture from the University of Texas in 1974 and also received his MBA from the UT School of Business Executive Master's Program in 1993.

He is survived by his wife Debra Day Floyd, their daughter Erin Callie Day Floyd, age 10, his son Jason Phillip Floyd and wife Ashley Lundgren Floyd, and their son Jaxon Wallace Floyd, age 8 months. Robert's first daughter Peyton Elizabeth Floyd died in a car accident in 2000 at age 20. The most loving of fathers, he wrote in her obituary that she was "dancing with dolphins across the ceiling of the universe," and we joyfully trust that they dance together now.

He is also survived by his brother James Ray Floyd and wife Kathryn, his uncle Chuck Payne and wife Mary, along with many nieces and nephews whom he loved and respected dearly. Robert leaves behind so many cherished friends and extended family members that to try and name every one of them would be like counting the stars in the universe.

His beloved sister Cynthia Jan Abernathy preceded him in death in February of 2011 at the age of 49, due to a swift cancer. Robert is also preceded in death by his mother, Myneka (Micki) Allyene Payne and his father Charles Ray Floyd, Sr. Robert also leaves behind his beloved poker group, many of whom have been close friends since high school.

Robert leaves to his family and his many friends a proud legacy of accomplishment and love, and his constant awareness of the possibility of death, which led him to live life, fearlessly, to the fullest every day. Affluence came to Robert later in his life, largely the result of hard work and good fortune. Never a materialist, he saw this primarily as an opportunity to share and help others. His generosity was often personal and focused on people he encountered and came to know and care about. Many were young people with both problems and potential. The Indian proverb "all that is not given is lost" embodied his attitude toward life. The many he helped are a lasting legacy, their lives better because of Robert. In remembering him, they too will extend a helping hand. We will all remember Robert as the most generous of men, taking care of everyone in his life, and those of us who knew him are humbled and honored to have called him friend.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a charity of your choice because what mattered to you, mattered to Robert. The family also asks that you write down your memories or experiences with Robert during your lifetime and send them to his wife, Debra, so that she may collect them for Robert's daughter and grandson and future generations of Floyds.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Robert N. Floyd will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2012, time TBD, at The Commodore Perry Estate, 4100 Red River Street, Austin, TX 78751. As Robert once said, "I'll reconsider everything tomorrow depending on the color of the sky and the direction of the wind."