Floyd V Nelson

The Life and Legacy of Floyd V. Nelson "Tiki"

Floyd V. Nelson, affectionately known as "Tiki," graced this world with his boundless creativity, adventurous spirit, and radiant love for life from May 25, 1949, until his passing on March 12, 2025. He was more than a father, son, and brother—he was an artist, a seeker, a storyteller, and a free spirit who embraced the beauty of the world with open arms.

A Childhood Filled with Curiosity and Passion

From a young age, Floyd was drawn to the thrill of discovery. His talents were as diverse as they were impressive. At Granger High School, he founded the swim team in 1964, earning multiple trophies with his signature event, the breaststroke. His energy extended beyond the pool—he played the saxophone in the jazz band, contributed to the yearbook staff, and was a driving force in the drama and photography clubs. Even in his youth, his passion for storytelling and capturing life's moments was unmistakable.

As an Eagle Scout and a member of the Order of the Arrow, he learned the values of leadership and adventure early on.

His thirst for knowledge carried him through higher education, where he pursued multiple degrees: an associate’s degree in drama from Rick’s College-Idaho, a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Chapman University, and a master’s degree in communication arts from the University of West Florida. He also honed his craft at the prestigious Rochester Institute of Technology and the U.S. Navy’s A, B, and C photography schools, setting the stage for a career that would leave a lasting mark.

A Life Behind the Lens

Floyd’s career in photography was not just a job—it was a passion that defined his life. His career started in the 6th grade when he and a classmate decided they wanted to have a yearbook like the high school students. Winning financial and logistical support for their entrepreneurial enthusiasm, the school's principal and city newspaper editor helped them see this project through. From this moment on, Tiki was a photographer. Later, Tiki joined the U.S. Navy, where he was stationed in Hawaii. As an official U.S. Naval photographer, he captured moments of honor and history, and in his free time, he documented family moments in his favorite place in the world, Hawaii. Upon leaving the military, he turned his talent into a thriving business. In 1985, he became self-employed, establishing Frame Masters Gallery and Photography Studio. When he relocated to Fort Walton Beach, Florida, in 1991, Portraits by the Sea, his photography studio, was born, where he immortalized the smiles and stories of countless individuals. Each photograph seemed to tell a story—a narrative woven through the colors of joy and love that he cherished.

His work transcended the ordinary, blending technical mastery with an artistic eye. He was known for his signature use of a 6x7 medium format studio camera on the beaches of Florida, a rarity that allowed for unparalleled clarity and beauty in his portraits. His stunning images graced billboards, magazines, and even the inaugural ball of President George H.W. Bush in 1989. Whether he was capturing fashion, families, or fleeting moments of joy, Floyd’s work carried a touch of magic.

An Unquenchable Wanderlust

Never one to be confined by convention, Floyd embraced life’s adventures with fearless enthusiasm. In 2017, he made a bold decision—he sold all his belongings and set out on a journey that would take him across the world. His heart led him to Bali, where he soaked in the island’s spiritual energy and traveled throughout Asia for four years before making his way to Colombia and Mexico, where he embraced new cultures, languages, and ways of life.

His love for travel was not just about the places he visited—it was about the people he met, the lessons he learned, and the memories he collected like treasures. Whether savoring exotic cuisine, cycling through bustling streets, or meditating under foreign skies, Floyd was always fully present, embracing life’s beauty with an open heart and a lens ready to capture its wonders.

A Spiritual Journey

Floyd was not only an explorer of the world but also of the soul. His spiritual path was vast and ever-expanding, encompassing Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Yoga, and the teachings of the Himalayan Masters. He served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in France, where he learned the language and the culture. He was an esteemed member of The Way of Life Unity Center Community in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, where he found deep connection and purpose. His quest for truth led him to establish his own Dolphin Spiritual Center, a space where seekers could gather to share wisdom, meditation, and friendship.

His presence in the community was magnetic—a man of boundless curiosity, engaging conversations, and a warm, inviting smile. Whether leading spiritual discussions, hosting potlucks filled with laughter, or simply sharing a quiet moment of reflection, Floyd had a way of making everyone feel seen and valued.

A Family Man with a Heart of Gold

A devoted father, Floyd’s legacy lives on in his children, Candy Carr, Teressa Clement, Adam Nelson, and Robert Nelson. His influence was profound and everlasting, shaped by his playful nature, his penchant for bad dad jokes, and his ability to lighten even the heaviest of situations. His mother, Hendrika Marie Nelson, was his guiding light, and their bond was one of deep love and respect. Tiki’s memories with his children will forever resonate with warmth—the indelible mark of fondue and ice cream, thrilling adventure tales, and endless afternoons splashing in the surf.

Floyd was preceded in death by his father, Norman Wayne Nelson; and is survived by his beloved mother, Hendrika Marie Nelson; and his siblings, Gordon Nelson, Sheri Clemens, Norman Nelson, Julie Hardy, Tom Nelson, Nanette Provstgaard, and Michael Nelson; plus a vibrant lineage of seven grandchildren, many nieces, and nephews.

A Life Lived in Full Color

Floyd took after his father, N. Wayne Nelson, who was never one to blend in—his wardrobe was as vibrant as his personality. He had a nickname for everyone and everything, a storyteller’s gift for spinning elaborate (and often hilarious) tales, and finding joy in teaching his children to pronounce things incorrectly, on purpose…such as Par-Mee-shun cheese.

He loved food from around the world, relished potluck gatherings, and could talk for hours about photography, spirituality, and his many travels. His love for the ocean, whether the Gulf of Mexico, Choctawhatchee Bay, or the vast Pacific, was a constant in his life. He dreamed of returning to Hawaii, a place that had long captured his heart, to create a Spiritual Ohana (family) by the sea.

Floyd never got caught up in the noise of the world—he lived on a higher plane, where curiosity, kindness, and joy reigned supreme. He saw the good in everyone, never judged, and believed that life’s purpose was to grow, explore, and embrace the journey.

A Legacy That Lives On

Though Floyd’s earthly travels have come to an end, his spirit is anything but gone. He now roams the universe, camera in hand, capturing the colors of eternity in ways only he can. His laughter echoes in the waves, his wisdom lingers in every conversation he ever shared, and his art continues to inspire all who were lucky enough to witness it.

For those who knew him, loved him, and were forever changed by him—may we all carry a bit of Tiki’s light, joy, and fearless spirit forward.

As per Floyd’s wishes, there will be no formal services. A celebration of his extraordinary life will be held in Florida at a later date.

Cremation services are entrusted to Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary.