Thomas Duane Silva

Thomas “Tom” Duane Silva was the son of Paul Francis Silva and Zella Vera Silva. Tom was born on June 20, 1942 in Portland, Oregon. His children Keith Silva, Kyle Silva & Robin Day, Penny & Daniel Bush, daughter-in-law Susan Silva, sister Glenna Silva Jones, sister-in-law Brenda Silva, aunts Beth Keeler, Ruth Chapman, grandchildren Laura Silva Shuster, Kiri Silva, Ryan Silva, Cody Silva, Sidney Silva, Zakery Silva, and great grandchildren Isaac Silva, Zella Shuster, Olivia Shuster, Kinsley Shuster, Micajah Meszko, Bonnie Ann Silva, Savannah Bush, Brianna Bush survive him. His parents Paul & Zella Silva, sister Sharon Silva Newberry, brother Bob Silva, son Kevin Silva, grandchildren Joshua Silva, Chelsea Silva, and grandnephew Brandon Silva preceded him in death. He passed away in the late evening of July 26th, 2021.

His life can be best considered in epochs of place and time by those who knew him, with those epochs defining how he was remembered by those he interacted with. Always known for his distinct laugh and sense of humor, few were aware of how much he gave of himself, particularly to those in need. Of all the chapters in his life and the places where he lived, his children always figured prominently. Having grown up in Grants Pass, he enlisted in the US Navy in 1959 and served his country until 1969, including tours-of-duty in Vietnam and being a part of the Portland Rose Festival Fleet Week. During this time, he was blessed with three boys: Kevin, Keith, and Kyle. From 1970 to 1991, Tom worked in the transportation management and chemical industries in Oklahoma and California. During this time, his life was blessed again with his daughter Penny. From 1991 to 2014, Tom called St. Louis home and worked at the local Shop ‘n Save after leaving the chemical industry, never meeting a stranger and adding a personal touch to all who interacted with him. In 2014, he returned home to Grants Pass and all the prior epochs converged, and this chapter became his epilogue and a time to refocus on family and friends.

A private interment will be at Granite Hill Cemetery, 2551 Upper River Road, Grants Pass, OR 97526. As the American Kidney Fund works on behalf of the 37 million Americans living with kidney disease, and the millions more at risk, touching lives through comprehensive programs, Tom asked, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Kidney Fund at www.kidneyfund.org.