Obituaries

click to enlarge

• Submitted
• Phillip Lee Silva: 1961-2020

We lost our beloved Phillip “Phil” Lee Silva on Dec. 22, 2020. He passed away in Roseville, California, after a ten-year courageous battle to fight cancer.

Phillip was born to Maurice and Betty Silva of Ferndale, California. He attended school in Ferndale, graduated from Ferndale Union High School and was proud to be a wildcat. Phillip was very active in sports throughout his younger years including football and baseball. He had a natural feel for baseball and it showed as he was named All-County two years in a row. He remained an avid Giants fan.

Phillip spent his summer breaks helping with the family milk truck business, changing irrigation pipes, and hauling hay, back when the bales were picked up and loaded by hand. The season always ended with friends at the county fair.

Upon graduating from high school, Phillip worked at Humboldt Creamery and then moved to Rocklin, Califonia to take a job with Crystal Creamery. He then went on to work for Foster Farms and lastly Organic Valley.

Phillip had a work ethic to be admired. He learned the creamery business from the ground up. It was sales that he loved most. His ability to easily connect with people earned the trust of many and won him numerous awards for his salesmanship. He was a man who was true to his word. 

Phillip loved that outdoors. Surf fishing with family as a kid and later lake fishing. Scuba diving in Fort Bragg, and camping with family and friends. His other favorite pastime was attending sports games, especially if the Kansas City Chiefs or 49ers were playing.

He was very proud of his Portuguese heritage coming home to attend celebrations or attending out of the area. Fond memories were made learning to make sausage with his dad and the crew.

Phillip had a big heart and anyone who met him formed an instant bond. He would do anything for anybody, anytime, anywhere. Phillip left us with many great stories and memories that will be everlasting. He will be remembered for his generous spirit, irresistible smile, and strong faith.

Phillip was preceded in death by his father, Maurice Silva, and his grandparents John and Frances Silva, and Harold and Marie Cooper as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He is survived by his mother Betty Silva, brothers Randy, Kevin and Brian Silva, and nephew Evan Silva along with several aunts, uncles and cousins. And his dog “Good Medicine Molly," his faithful companion.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, July 10, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the Ferndale Cemetery located on Bluff Street followed by a celebration of life at the City Hall at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in memory of Phillip to the Eel Valley Portuguese Hall Association P.O. Box 254, Ferndale, CA 95536.