Robert L. DeSilva

Robert L. DeSilva

Robert "Bob" L. DeSilva, 86, died Nov. 8, 2009, at Roo-Lan Healthcare Center in Lacey, WA.
A memorial will be held 4:00 pm on Dec. 1, 2009 at the Lacey Community Center.
Born November 9, 1922, in Great Falls, MT, to Dwight and Priscilla DeSilva, Bob and his four siblings Priscilla, Don, Ethel and Darleene enjoyed a happy childhood in rural Montana.
During WWII, Bob proudly served as a Machinist's Mate 1st class on the USS Saratoga for twelve campaigns. In 1954, he and his wife Florence moved to Washington. Here they raised their three children and Bob began his career as Maintenance Superintendant for American Lake Veterans Hospital.
Throughout his life, Bob's strength of character guided him and influenced others. A true outdoorsman with a passion for fishing and a great respect for the environment, Bob devoted many hours to restoring salmon in depleted streams. He volunteered as a Dayton community firefighter, was a little league coach and helped to build a community club. Bob was a member of the DAV and the VFW. He was skilled in everything from woodworking to car restoration and loved to discuss politics. His family looked to him as a mentor who helped them to define their values.
Bob will be greatly missed.
Bob is survived by is wife of 63 years, Florence; his children : Ronald, Dwight, Dorothy and their spouses; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.