Clay Floyd has died

[gottahaveahoove]

Just to clear up a misconception

There still is a V.C.C.C. Some people have asked me when/if it disbanded. It never did. It went a little dormant for a while. Yes, Alex Taber, John Lucia, etc tell the story about it's humble beginnings.... in North Canton, Ohio, at the Hoover Historical Center, now part of Walsh University's museum studies major. Some members are long gone. May of the members have passed away. Others quit or left. Others were banned from the club. Yes, over the years, it has undergone numerous changes, but the reason, mission, etc remains the same.
I am fortunate to have known some great folks who were members. Others, I've only hear legends. In our memorial book, one can find interesting stories about some wonderful, and, at times, colorful past members. A lot of the newer members don't even know some of the old gang.
I'll add Clay, and our very revered Glen, and a host of others into that book.
sadly, the pages in this book are growing.
John Long, Vice Pres, V.C.C.C. the original vacuum cleaner collectors' club.

 

[dysonman1]

I was just discussing this with Hans the other day. The VCCC that Clay joined way back in 1994 is long dead. Today’s reincarnation is little more than “the new Mickey Mouse club“. Thank God I had a chance to belong to the club when it was real, and to have led it through the best of times. Those days, and those people, now belong to the ages. Clay absolutely hated what the club that he loved so much had turned into, and many of the “old timers“ haven’t a good word to say about it since. Personally, I don’t care about “vacuum clubs“, as I get to share the history of vacuums with the public. This thread is about Clay Floyd, and remembering him and his life. His friends and I were savvy enough to record a video of him pontificating about the “New club“. It’s a riot. I’m glad we have it for posterity.

 

[kenkart]

I have long since

Resolved any differences I had with certain people, but we really did have fun years ago, very few had computers , we all talked for hours on the phone, our conventions were long on substance and fun, but were affordable and laid back, I think the vacuum knowledge that was shared at those early conventions was something we who were there have never forgotten, I remember the cut off date for a machine to be called vintage was 1960,I personally believe 1970 should be the cut off date now, I still think Hoover Elites and Eureka Bravos, along with such things as Fantoms Dysons etc are just used vacuums, NOT vintage collectables, I have machines from the 70s and up, but they are just old vacuums, not in the same league as a Gold model D Rexair, a Electroulux model G, or a Hoover 63 etc, I truly believe now its less about imparting the real history of the vacuum cleaner,than just getting together and talking about newer stuff

 

[gottahaveahoove]

Has anyone heard about some kind of service

for Clay? I have no idea if he was a religious/spiritual man.
At the VCCC convention, at dinner,(the last one, sometimes called a banquet), we have a blessing, and it is then that we remember those who have passed... both current members and the past members.
Morgan did a very nice thing in Portland , just after Terry died. Of course, Terry was a very active member, trustworthy and faithful member. A lot of new people, sadly, never got to meet him or know him. Truly, he was one individual whom it was impossible to dislike. Amidst adversity, he'd always take the high road, a most valuable lesson. I was asked to fill his spot (never his shoes), as the membership coordinator, a true honor for me.
That convention was truly one of Morgan Frazer's "finest hours" as our president. I've seen him rise up to the occasion numerous times, a very different "style" in doing things from our current president, most capable, Chad Cunningham, who adds his own style to running things. We're fortunate, indeed.
Taking that high road, I'll wish Clay "peace". He didn't know me, may not have wanted to, who knows? But, he was a true to friend to some, and that's all that matters.
Still, our VCCC will succeed, thrive, progress, endure... despite negative comments, etc from some. Some who don't even know most of the members, only through some close friends who still are members, still attend the conventions. If one didn't enjoy them, I'm sure one wouldn't attend.Childish slams, etc have no place in this thread, or in my life, for that matter. WE cannot be responsible for the conduct of anyone other than ourselves.
I'm not going to sidetrack from the original purpose of this post more than this.
So, perhaps offer a little prayer, or even a quiet thought for your dear, departed, friend, Clay. I can imagine the reunion with the other past members this week must have been a riot, based on what I'VE heard.
Sleep in peace, Clay.

 

[kirbyvertibles]

I remember Clay very well,
At my first convention we talked a LOT!!!!
I got to hear a lot of his stories and got to witness some of his humor that people talk about. He was our Bison and Rexair expert for sure.
I'm truly sorry for the vacuum communities loss of a wealth of knowledge.

 

[gottahaveahoove]

Then, Phillip,

please accept my condolences on the loss of your friend. You're the only person close to me who is experiencing this loss.
He left a legacy for you, too. He taught you a lot.
From an old song, I learned a long time ago, "And the only level of your works and your deeds will be the love you leave behind, when you're gone".
[this post was last edited: 1/8/2018-12:19]

 

[kenkart]

We have lost many

Fine people, Terry Lattz was a wonderful friend and as kind a soul as ever lived!

 

[gottahaveahoove]

Without question.

He loved our conventions. It was at my first, '08, Hoover's birthday, when Terry came up to me, gave me a hug, and said, "Hi John I'm Terry".
He'd never bash anyone or our group, ever. Upon looking at minutes from past meetings, I discovered a lot of things, events that happened at meetings, people put on probation, some asked to leave, etc. amazing reading. It cold explain a lot. Terry was present during all of that. I wonder what he'd think now.
But, he, too, is at peace, hopefully with the others. I have one of his Hoover Coffee cans. I'll treasure it always.

 

[kenkart]

Let's not forget

The walking vacuum cleaner encyclopedia we lost. Craig. Long. No one knew more and. Charles. Miller who was. Roger. Proehls long time partner then of course. Mike. Rogers from whom. I learned much. I really wish everyone could have gotten along years ago but that's ancient history and I for one intend to get along with everyone

 

[gottahaveahoove]

excellent points

And, Hans, I believe that MANY upon MANY folks respect you as well. Never have I heard anything nasty, snarky, untrue, etc. ever been said about you. You're very fortunate.

 

[kenkart]

I will say

I have a bad temper that I control much better than I used too...LOL

 

[gottahaveahoove]

As do I.

After all, I am Irish! Luckily, I maintain a lot of self-control. Having had a very proper mother and an equally poised father (from the South), we were taught how to behave. Manners were paramount.

 

[vacerator]

Sorry, I disagree

this has become a mickey mouse type club because it pales in comparison to some other big boys clubs these days of which I won't mention. Some are bigger babies than the teen members here.
One aspect of someones life does not totally define them.
One good aspect of maturity is being non judgmental.
I often disagree but I try not to trash anyone's character, but some do that all on their own and it's obvious at times.
I watched a movie last night, The Honeymoon killers. Now they were degenerates.
Another which comes to mind is In Cold Blood, and Lady in a Cage.
Half a nice day all. May your glass be half full.

 

[kenkart]

A Funny Clay Floyd story..

Clay drove a fire engine red 61 Desoto two door hardtop for many years as his daily driver car, One morning on his way to work someone ran the light and as Clay had the green light he hit them doing about 35 or so, they were in a Subaru station wagon...It bent the left front frnder, the bumper and the parking light bezel got broken, Clay jumped out and Yelled many obscenities, and said, Do you know how hard it is to get a parking light bezel for a 61 Desoto!!

 

[dysonman1]

Hans

I remember that story very well. Including the many and varied obscenities that were shouted. Oh to have been a fly on the wall that day......

Spoke with Clay's sister yesterday. I'm setting up a special place in the Vacuum Cleaner Museum for Clay's Hoovers and Rexairs. His Hoover 150 is gorgeous, like it just came out of the box. And his mother's Hoover 534 will get a special place of honor among them in the display.

I've been working on the Stan Kann vacuum display ever since the Vacuum Cleaner Museum acquired Stan's collection last month.

I know it's totally in keeping with their memories that we treat their collections with the love and respect Clay and Stan showed the vintage machines.