GSL Slip Renters and Marina Users.
I have sad news of the passing of one of our own. Bob Silver, has passed away after a sudden illness. I have known Bob and his family since the mid 1970’s. He was a fixture out here and is responsible for introducing so many to the sport of sailing and to Great Salt Lake itself. He was an entrepreneur who sold boats out here, ran tour boats through the 70’s as well as many other ventures connected to the Great Salt Lake. In fact my first experience on the Great Salt Lake was when I was in second grade. Our class took a field trip to the lake and Bob took us all out on his tour boat. I remember riding on the upper deck and being handed a Dixie cup full of brine shrimp. Bob was always a friendly sort that loved to share his passion for the lake and the sport of sailing. He came out here frequently over the last several months just to come say hi. He loved to sneak away occasionally to McDonalds to relish in his one vice, a McCheese. Afterwards he would drop by to visit old friends at the marina. He and I would often run into each other shopping as we purchased our groceries at the same store in Stansbury Park. He was recently the recipient of the Bill Garcia Memorial Award in recognition for his contribution the sport of sailing in Utah. Bob was introduced to Great Salt Lake by his father “Long John” Silver. Bob’s son, Brad (Tammy), and grandkids still sail the waters of the Great Salt Lake carrying on the legacy of the Silvers.
Below is a picture and the obituary that will be appearing in the Salt Lake Tribune.
Robert John Silver passed away November 12, 2014 in Salt Lake City, Utah at the age of 77.
Bob was born on May 5, 1937 in Salt Lake City to John Clawson Silver and Eva Marie Swenson. He married Delia Jeffery in 1958 and married Cherill Fitton in 1967. Bob married Leora Washburn in 1994 and they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Jordan River Temple June 26, 1999.
Bob was an enthusiastic entrepreneur. His ventures included The Treasure House, Silver Sands Beach and Marina (Sea Monster Rides/Islander Dinner Cruises), The Great American Flying Machine, and Sailors World (boat sales, sailing instruction and club).
Bob and Leora served a two year mission at the Family and Church History Headquarters in Salt Lake City. Bob was a faithful member of the LDS Church and served in many callings. Bob was a legend in and around the Great Salt Lake, sharing his love of sailing. He enjoyed singing, playing the guitar and dancing. Spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren was the joy of his life. Friends and family enjoyed his sense of humor. If you asked Bob, he would tell you he was famous, funny, a great singer, excellent dancer, and very good looking.
Bob is survived by his wife Leora, children Cheryl, Brad (Tammy), Christy, Becky, Scott (Kitty), Dan (Alayna), Cathy (Jeremy), Jake (Joe), Craig (Janna), 19 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, brother Jim (Linda), uncle Vernie (Shirley), brother-in-law Merrill (Sharla), and sisters-in-law Coralie (Ike), Janice (Doug) and Evelyn (Bill). He is preceded in death by his parents and son Jeff.
A funeral is scheduled for Tuesday, November 18th 12:00 at the Gordon Lane Ward, 390 Village Blvd, Stansbury Park, Utah. A viewing will be held at 10:30 am.
Dave Shearer
Harbor Master
Great Salt Lake State Marina
Antelope Island State Marina
801-209-9142
