Benjamin Paul SILVA

SILVA - Benjamin Paul We are saddened to announce that our father, Benjamin Paul Silva, passed away at home on his 93rd birthday. He was predeceased by his "Juliet" Joan, his wife of 63 years in 2011 and 2 daughters, Vicki and Loretta. He leaves 8 children, 20 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren who will miss him greatly. His family was his passion. Our father was born August 7, 1920 and lived his lifetime in North Vancouver. He was born into a family of 16 children, mother Elizabeth and father Manuel. Of his siblings, he is survived by 3 brothers and 2 sisters. He made many lifelong friends over the years while fishing the BC coast, working for Pacific Salvage, Dominion Creosote, Kings Mill, Bay Forest, Burrard Dry Dock, whatever it took to provide for his family. He retired officially in 1985 at the age of 65. Dad loved music at an early age. He took clarinet lessons in the basement of the Orpheum Theatre at the age of 16 and was an accomplished guitarist. He received his first guitar in lieu of payment for work and taught himself to play and later with that guitar in hand often played with a trio at parties, competed in local talent shows and braved auditioning for the radio. In the years following his retirement he enjoyed his garden of tomatoes, raspberries & roses. He kept flower boxes, bird houses and hummingbird feeders and eagerly awaited the arrival of spring. He strived, even in his elder years, to ensure his children knew and honoured their heritage and would pass that on to their children. He spent many years trying to become more proficient in the Spanish language of his father. He taught his family that hard work was necessary to achieve in life and together with our mother left us a lasting legacy for which we are very grateful. Thank you to the team of palliative doctors & nurses of 7 West LGH & to Angela and Trish for their great support and kindness to our father. Thanks also to his longtime physician Dr. Ortynsky for the care given to dad over the years. A celebration of dad's life will be held at First Memorial Boal Chapel 1505 Lillooet Road North Vancouver on Friday, August 16th at 10am. Reception to follow at: Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites, 700 Old Lillooet Rd. from 11:30am – 2:30pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favourite charity in dad's name. "to hear your voice and see your smile, to sit with you and chat awhile."