Former national leader Commissioner Floyd Tidd promoted to glory
Commissioner Floyd Tidd, who became the first Territorial Commander of the newly formed Australia Territory in 2018, has been promoted to glory in his homeland of Canada, aged 63.
Floyd was diagnosed with prostate and ocular cancer in 2021. He and his wife, Commissioner Tracey, were leaders of the Canada and Bermuda Territory and stepped aside from the role in June 2023 due to Floyd’s deteriorating health.
Australia’s current Territorial Commander, Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, said this morning she was saddened to hear the news of his passing.
“Floyd and Tracey led us through the Australia One journey, which needed visionary and strategic leadership. They led with hope, inspiration and gave over and above during this time. An amazing journey, well led,” she said.
“(Chief Secretary Colonel] Winsome Merrett and I join with Salvationists and friends from around the world in praying for Tracey and their family and sending love.
“We don’t lack hope. Floyd is with Jesus, and one day, the reunion.”
The Tidds arrived in Melbourne from Canada in June 2013 to lead the then-Australia Southern Territory; Floyd as Territorial Commander and Tracey as President of Women’s Ministries. After almost three years as Southern Territory leaders, the Tidds were appointed as national leaders to oversee the merger of the Australia Eastern and Australia Southern territories into one Australia Territory. That process came to its climax in December 2018, when the new Australia Territory was officially launched, with the Tidds becoming its first territorial leaders.
OFFICIAL TRIBUTE FOR COMMISSIONER FLOYD TIDD
Commissioner Floyd J. Tidd, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and son was promoted to glory on May 31, 2024, at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, surrounded by his family. A devoted friend to many and a dedicated officer of The Salvation Army, Floyd’s pilgrimage of faith touched countless lives around the world.
Born in Sudbury, Ontario, Floyd was an active member of The Salvation Army corps (church) throughout his childhood and teenage years. After completing a Bachelor of Science degree with the intent to pursue medicine, Floyd instead responded to God’s call to become a Salvation Army officer, a vocation he shared with his best friend and wife, Tracey. Together they were partners in the gospel, serving in a wide variety of appointments over their 37 years of ministry. These included church-planting, youth and camping ministries, corps officer, as well as leadership roles at Divisional and Territorial levels, culminating in their roles as Territorial leaders of The Salvation Army in the Australian, and Canada & Bermuda Territories.
Floyd was passionate about discipleship and encouraging Christ-centred, Kingdom-focused leadership. He believed wholeheartedly that corps ministry is the foundation and the crucible of The Salvation Army’s mission in the world. Floyd considered it a privilege to minister alongside others as equal partners in the gospel and his door was always open to everyone. He believed it a sacred duty to preach the Word of God and like Jeremiah, he experienced “a burning in his bones” to share the gospel. He will be remembered by Salvationists around the world as a man who gave his life in service to God and in the pursuit of discipleship in The Salvation Army.
Floyd’s infectious laugh, quick wit, and ability to befriend anyone in an instant, will long be remembered by colleagues and those privileged to call him friend. He was a man of God gifted with a strategic and visionary mind, and an incredible ability to inspire others to listen to God’s call on their life and ministry. Floyd was never one to give a direct answer when asked for advice, understanding how important it was for people to find their own path. He was an influential mentor, spiritual father, wise counsellor to countless people, and stood out among his peers as a man of unparalleled integrity.
Floyd was often found in the kitchen dreaming up creative and delicious dishes to be served at a table that welcomed everyone as if they were family. He loved to read, ski, and travel with family and friends. He found tranquillity on his paddleboard and kayak, as well as in the garden. He took particular pleasure in completing challenging puzzles. He could never have too much ice in his drink (non-alcoholic, of course!), always had a tooth-flosser within reach, and ensured that every piece of clothing he owned was always perfectly ironed. Floyd had a deep love of music, playing the piano by ear and even breaking out the accordion from time to time. He loved directing camp staff musicals. He had the ability to tell a captivating story and possessed a unique sense of humour, all of which will be deeply missed.
Floyd is survived by Tracey, his beloved wife of 42 years, daughter Kaleena (Anthony), son Christopher (Kalyn) and grandchildren Arlo, Lillian, Aurelia, Ruth and Ottavia, and his brother Rob, nephew Ryan, and mother Myrna. He was pre-deceased by his father Paul Maxwell Tidd. Floyd was a loving husband who provided and protected. A dedicated father, he had an immensely giving heart, sharing in life’s challenges and joys with cruciform love. He loved being “Poppy” to his five grandkids, and will deeply missed as a gentle, caring, and silly grandfather. He was an encouraging brother, supportive uncle, and a doting and loyal son.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Princess Margaret hospital for their support and compassionate care.
The funeral will be held on 8 June 2024 at 10.30am at The Salvation Army Yorkminster Citadel, North York, Ontario.
Tribute courtesy of ogden.funeraltchweb.com
Click here to see the tribute in its original format.
