Vircher Floyd

A Snapshot of the Life and Legacy of Mr. Vircher B. Floyd “More than twenty years of working abroad with children, adults and many communities in more than eight countries have changed my outlook and my life. It is true that there is that of God in every man, woman and, especially, every child. It is also true that the Lord provides learning and service opportunities all around us wherever we may be.” Vircher B. Floyd V ircher was born April 3, 1928 to the late Mr. Vircher and Mrs. Julia Floyd in Richmond, Indiana. He grew up in a family of eight children, five males and three females who all preceded him in death. Vircher, the son of a carpenter, ordained minister and evangelist who pastored a small church, was raised in a home that had strong convictions about how Christians should behave. He was educated in the Richmond Indiana schools and graduated from Richmond High School where he ran track. He also enjoyed playing tennis and family travel. In 1947-1952, Vircher attended Earlham College where he received his bachelor’s degree. This is where he would meet his future bride, Ms. Daphne Joyce Simmonds. He continued his study to earn a master’s degree in Community Development in 1954. During this time of war, many young men were being inducted. After much consideration, Vircher contacted the Draft Board and requested a hearing. While waiting to hear about his Conscientious Objector status he applied for deferment and was granted four annual deferments from military service.  During 1954-1956, Vircher served in the United States Army Medical Corps as a Conscientious Objector where he was able to fight for our country in a non-violent manner. His Sergeant said of him, “I guess going out on the field to pull one of us out of the line of fire is another kind of fighting for our Country, isn’t it?”. After two years of service, Vircher moved to Sewickley, Pennsylvania in 1956 where he was employed by the Sewickley Community Center. Not long after, he was united in holy matrimony to Ms. Daphne Joyce Simmonds in 1957. To this blessed union was born one son and one daughter. The family remained there throughout 1960. While in Pennsylvania, Vircher earned a second master’s degree; this time in Social Work from the University of Pittsburg. Most of Vircher’s work was in Community Development as the chief administrator. He found pleasure in getting out among the people engaged in the struggle of making a living. He was responsible for the budget, supervised all staff, services and programs and kept in touch with headquarters of PLAN International. Vircher felt it was good to be out in the field stimulating and evaluating the work force as they promoted agency and the people’s programs of building roads, schools and clinics, providing water and wells or learning to set up and operate small neighborhood stores. Many learned about and shared work and proceeds of fishponds. Individual families grew corn, potatoes or beans and coffee and a few worked in small groups to raise chickens, pigs, cows, and much more. Also, he supported and stimulated the work of Ministries whose personnel were dedicated and served in rural areas where they all worked. He encouraged them by making small training grants, supporting conferences for continuing professional growth and offering advice and small equipment at the field Office level. In addition, Vircher stimulated and urged other Non-Governmental Organizations (N.G.O’s) to coordinate their services and not compete for headlines nor people to serve. This work required constant attention at several levels. Many years were spent abroad in Latin America (Mexico, Colombia, Nicaragua, Brasil, Ecuador and Honduras) with one African West-Coast-Liberian experience. One of the greatest assets was to learn and speak Spanish, and to speak Foreign Service Institute (FSI) level 2.5 of Portuguese. 1961-1963, Now with Friends (Quakers) Service Committee, Vircher moved his family to San Damián Texoloc, Mexico. It was here a new language was learned as Vircher worked to get government officials to provide for the people such things as education, medical services, and housing. In 1964, Vircher came back to the states to Richmond, Indiana where his work through the Townsend Community Center would help bring the community together. 1968-1970, Vircher accepted an assignment with the Peace Corps that would take him and his young family to Bogota, Colombia. He was the area lead manager which positioned him to help develop and strengthen the community. During the family’s time abroad, the children would attend American schools while Vircher’ s wife, Daphne also taught in the American schools. His work kept him there two years, before once again, returning to Indiana. 1970-1975, Vircher returned to Richmond, Indiana and was now on staff as a professor at Earlham College in Career Services Development. The next seventeen years would be devoted to Plan International (1975-1992). In 1975, Vircher took his family back to Bogota, Columbia to work strategically in the training and development of selected communities. The time was nearing for his children to graduate high school, and so they did in Colombia to then return to the states. Vircher, with his wife, continued to work abroad. The years 1978-1980 would land Vircher in Nicaragua in the midst of the Nicaraguan Revolution. This was a dangerous time to be in the country as the fight was on to overthrow the Somoza regime. 1980-1982, Vircher worked in Brasil which was by far the most enjoyable country to have worked in. The style of life, people, and social kindness made this experience exceptionally pleasant. 1982-1984, Vircher’ s work took him to Liberia, West Africa which was during a dangerous time of civil war under the corrupt rule of Samuel K. Doe. Yet, he remained steadfast in his community efforts to help the people. 1984-1988, Vircher was now in Guayaquil, Ecuador. In addition to community development efforts, learning more of the Spanish language and strengthening his speaking skills was a major part of this experience. 1988-1992, Vircher’ s work in Tegucigalpa, Honduras would bring him to the end of his work on the grounds of foreign soil. In 1992, Vircher retired and returned to the United States. After retirement, he did not lose interest in people’s growth nor in opportunities to serve others. His interest was partially expressed in teaching conversational Spanish. This was kept alive as local “students” responded and asked about the work he 'used to do'. He asked through prayer, “Father what would you have me do in service to others, where shall I give my hand?” Vircher did private work teaching Spanish and working with corporations in translation as long as he could. Vircher invested 22 years of his life working outside of the United States to help improve living conditions in many countries. He was also a concerned citizen of these United States. He spent many hours writing and sending correspondences to local and state officials, including governors and congress, going all the way to the White House to former President Barack Obama. He reached out to anyone who was in position to make change happen for the betterment of our communities and country. Vircher was the epitome of a gentleman. A beloved husband, father, uncle, friend, and an avid community advocate. He leaves his love and legacy to Daphne Joyce Floyd, his wife of sixty-three years; son, Vircher Barry (Bridgette) Floyd; daughter, Naadia Renee (Steve) Floyd-Christensen; granddaughters: Victoria Brianna Floyd and Varissa Bethanie Floyd; sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and a host of family and friends. “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8 KJV