Malcolm Sillars

In Loving Memory
Malcolm O. Sillars, longtime University of Utah faculty member and administrator, passed away in Salt Lake City on November 12, 2018 at the age of 90. Malcolm was a special man with an extraordinary career, loved for his kindness, humility, and dry humor. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, and companion of 75 years, Char Sillars, along with three sons and daughters-in-law, four grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, and many dear friends. Over his career, Malcolm was on the faculty at five universities, was a dean, department chair and college president, served as president of two academic associations, and was editor of the leading academic journal in his field. Malcolm was appointed Dean of Humanities at the University of Utah in 1974, then became Professor of Communication at Utah until retiring (1998). Mal and Char embraced the Utah culture, enjoyed the mountain lifestyle, and became loyal Ute fans. He was a beloved mentor for numerous students and left a deep footprint. Malcolm passed away due to complications from a bad fall, but he enjoyed life to the end. On the morning of his death, he was still joking with friends while lying immobilized in palliative care at the University of Utah hospital. The Department of Communication and University of Utah will host a memorial reception on campus next spring, at a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family donations to the U of U's Malcolm O. Sillars Scholarship for students in the John R. Park Debate Society (to donate, go to debate.utah.edu).
For more about Malcolm's life and accomplishments, please see the full obituary at aspenfh.com/notices/Malcom-Sillars.