Robert Paul "Bob" Silva

Robert Paul “Bob” Silva was the son of Paul Francis Silva and Zella Vera Silva. Bob was born on June 13, 1943 in Grants Pass, Oregon. His loving wife Brenda Silva, children Brian Silva, William & Sandra Silva, Brad & Debbie Silva, Brent & Amy Silva, grandchildren Marissa Silva, Kyle & Bret Bailey, Kaylee & Chloe & Caroline Silva, and siblings Tom Silva & Glenna Silva Jones survive him. His parents Paul & Zella Silva and sister Sharon Silva Newberry and grandson, Brandon Paul Silva preceded him in death. He passed away on the afternoon of November 18, 2014 with his family at his side in a room calmed by the caress of harp music.

Following his graduation from Oregon Technical Institute in 1963 he began his professional career in Ashland. Married on January 17th, 1964, Bob & Brenda celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary earlier this year with a love that was deepened by their many happy years together. Striking out from Grants Pass for Portland in 1968, his choices in his professional life were grounded in creating opportunities for and actively participating in his children’s lives, choosing to invest in his children to fulfill his belief that family is more important than money. Blind to how the world differentiates people, he instilled in his children the character to treat all of God’s children equally. Bob lived his life as a witness to Christ and through a memorable moment when he was baptized in 1970, set the foundation for his sons to follow in his footsteps as they grew up to be men. Never having met a stranger, love and understanding were expressed through his kind eyes, big hug, and heartfelt concern for everyone he met. He knew the power of the Little Big Things bringing a smile to those who needed to smile, revealing his servant heart by his actions. He lived in awe and wonderment of God’s creation, being acutely aware of both nature and the needs of people he encountered, drawing others attention to the world around him. He enjoyed repairing, restoring, and building, particularly when it would help others, but enjoyed fishing to relax.

All who met him were richer for the experience. A memorial service will be held at 2pm at Southwest Church of Christ, 9725 SW Durham Rd, Tigard, OR 97224 on November 22, 2014; private interment will be at Granite Hill Cemetery, 2551 Upper River Road, Grants Pass, OR 97526. As Providence St. Vincent Medical Center provided compassionate and benevolent care, and touches many lives through philanthropic efforts, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Providence St. Vincent Medical Foundation “Where Need is Greatest” at appsor.providence.org/giving.