Roy Compton Sillence

1931 - 2017

Roy Compton Sillence

Roy Compton Sillence passed into the loving arms of his Savior Jesus Christ on December 13, 2017. He was 86.

Roy was born on November 11,

1931 to Compton and Dorothy Sillence, the third of three children. Growing up in Morristown N.J., Roy was a tinkerer, taking any opportunity to work on old cars, radios, and whatnot, which would serve him well throughout his life. As a youngster during WWII, Roy volunteered as a spotter for the Ground Observer Corps, watching for enemy aircraft over the skies of New Jersey. This kindled a lifelong passion for airplanes of all makes and models.

In 1951, Roy enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Demonstrating an aptitude for music, he was sent to study at the Naval School of Music in Washington D.C. A year later, he was transferred to Seattle and stationed at Pier 91, where he played saxophone for the Thirteenth Naval District Band. This would prove a fortuitous assignment. While performing on "March On," a locally produced TV show featuring musicians and singers from all branches of the service, he met his bride-to-be, Sgt. Rose Marie Conner of the U.S. Women's Marine Corps. The two were wed on September 13, 1953, a marriage that lasted more than sixty-four years. After the Navy, Roy used his G.I. bill to attend the University of Washington, where he graduated with a B.A. in Communications. This led to a career at KOMO TV, where he worked for more than 35 years until his retirement in 1994. Marie retired shortly after, and the two spent the next twenty years traveling and cruising to places like Western and Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and Central America.

Always a musician at heart, Roy spent his free time composing music, directing and singing in his church choir, and playing saxophone and clarinet for the Rain City Orchestra, Thornton Creek Trio, and other ensembles. Roy will be remembered for his giving nature and positive attitude. He was a generous man with a big smile and a kind soul, always willing to give a hand or lend an ear, a man of deep and enduring faith, who loved God, adored his family, and cherished his friends. He will be truly missed by all who had the good fortune of knowing and loving him.

Roy was preceded in death by his mother and father, and his sisters, Edna and Vera. Roy is survived by his wife Marie, children Alan, Robert, Ronald, and Laurie, grandchildren Mason, Spencer and Jason, and cat Patsy.

A public memorial service

will be held at

Wedgwood Community Church (8201 30th Ave NE, Seattle) on January 13 at 1 o'clock.