Whats Up in Windsor? By Tina Castelli - June 2017

(Excerpts from the Windsor Historical Society Newsletter article by Barbara F. Ray.)

Floyd Smith Coakley, one of the pillars of the Windsor community, passed away in November at Sutter Hospital with his wife of 61 years, Marie, and son Jeffrey at his side. Floyd’s presence will be missed in Windsor, for he was a dynamic and dedicated citizen. In fact, he was such an instrumental participant and leader in so many local projects that he is fondly referred to as “The First Mayor of Windsor.” How and why Floyd became so committed to improving Windsor is a story unto itself, for he was not a native son, had no ancestral ties to Windsor, and didn’t arrive here until 1969. Many men would not have adopted a new community so enthusiastically, and with such passion and dedication. But Floyd did... and so did his wife, Marie. Missouri-born, he grew up in the middle of the Great Depression of 1929-1939. During those years Floyd’s family struggled to make ends meet, and at an early age he was taught to be honest, work hard, appreciate even the smallest blessings, and bravely face life’s challenges.

Floyd’s life was never easy. He was a frail child, ill much of the time. In 1945, when Floyd was 15, his father died in a tragic train accident and his mother died in 1952. Another significant loss occurred some years later when his brother Dwight went to the store for cigarettes and disappeared without a trace. Police suspected foul play but reached only dead ends in their investigations.

For those in Windsor who knew the Coakley family well, there was never a Floyd without his Marie. Floyd first met Ellen Marie in 1953, young love prevailed, and Floyd, 24, and Marie, 18, were married on July 3, 1955 and they had the birth of their first son in 1958. Marie and Floyd had two more sons, both born in Los Angeles in 1960 and 1963, their family was complete. In 1964 an exciting business opportunity was offered to the Coakleys when a friend decided to sell his restaurant in Butte County. Floyd and Marie were confident they could make a go of it, so they bought theChuck-A-Bob Hofbrau, which they successfully managed for the next five years.

Their next move was to Windsor, where Floyd had accepted a job with Central Valley Pipe, selling and delivering well casing. The young family of five arrived in town on Valentine’s Day,

1969, settled into a cozy little house on Wahl Street, and planted their forever-after roots in the rich and welcoming soil of the Windsor community. Floyd immediately began contributing time and energy to Windsor improvements, and in less than a year he was serving as a director for the Windsor Mutual Water Company. His experience and expertise in this capacity later led to Floyd’s longtime employment as a supervisor for the City of Santa Rosa’s sewer treatment facility. Floyd was active in many important aspects of Windsor’s civic life. He served as Chair of both the Municipal Advisory Board and the Windsor Water District prior to Windsor’s incorporation in 1992. He was also an active member of many municipal committees and served several terms on the Board of the Windsor Fire Department, including a stint as its Chair. With Marie always at his side and equally active, Floyd participated with his sons in Boys Scouts and was a valued member of the Windsor Grange, the Windsor Chamber of Commerce, the Windsor Historical Society, and the Windsor Kiwanis Club, which honored Floyd and Marie as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor in 1991.

Only those who were closest to Marie and Floyd knew that he endured major health problems during most of his adult life, making his tireless contributions all the more admirable. Floyd touched many lives during his years in Windsor, and his name appears among leading participants in the record books of numerous organizations. His spirited presence will be missed at the Farmers Market each Sunday where he and Marie sold his handmade birdhouses and owl houses over the last 10 years. The Market will miss their friend and Market character.

Don’t miss Father’s Day at the Windsor Farmers Market,June 18th, with Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast starting at 9 and the Farmers Market from 10-1. There will be aTractor Show of old and new tractors and a fun vintage farm tool guessing game.