Rick Lee Silva, age 60 of Chehalis, WA died Thursday, June 18, 2015 in Centralia. He was born August 4, 1954 to Manuel and Barbara Silva in Tacoma. In his youth he lived in Olympia and graduated from Timberline High School in 1972. One of his early employments was at Coast Millwork and Prefinish Door Shop from 1977 until 1987. Rick was always a hard worker and learned his work ethic from his father “Buster” who worked two jobs, in whose footsteps Rick followed by doing the same for his family.
Rick met the love of his life Cynthia Swearingen in 1978 and they were married on July 17, 1983 at Cindys’ parents’ home in Chehalis. He daily affirmed his love for his wife Cindy by telling her that he loved and needed her and how beautiful she was.
Rick’s career as an officer of the law, was an expression of his belief that if you have a passion you need to pursue it. From 1986 until 1988 he was a Lewis County Corrections Officer. From 1988 until 2002 he was an Officer with the Lewis County Sheriffs Office. He was presently employed with the Chehalis Police Department, having been an officer since 2002. He always enjoyed serving his community.
Many interests filled Rick’s life. He was a self-taught master fabricator, race car driver, and automotive restorer and carpenter. Never afraid to take on a new project, he was an all-around handyman. Rick put careful thought into every task he undertook and believed in a job well done.
With his wife Cindy, he traveled and they always enjoyed exploring the scenic route. Rick had great times ATV riding at the sand dunes, cooking or barbequing for others, or just spending time with his grandchildren. Rick truly loved his time with family and friends.
Rick was preceded in death by his father Manuel Silva in 1989; special uncle Darrell Silva; and grandparents George and Bertie Jeager and Frank and Goldie Yaconetti.
Rick is survived by his wife Cindy Silva; mother Barbara Silva; daughter Shannon Silva and her partner Tim Suttle, their children (grandchildren) Rachel Rewell and Kaela Silva, son Travis Silva, daughter Nicole Silva and her partner Adam Braaten, their child (grandson) Colby Braaten and daughter Alise Silva and her son (grandson) Memphis Silva; sister Diana Silva and her children (nephew) Brett Vanderhoof, (niece) Shelly and Brian Umpstead and their child (a great niece) Keahna. He is also survived by his father and mother in-law Glenn and Louise Swearingen; brother and sister in-law Jim and Gail Collins; and nieces Lacey and Natalie Collins.
A memorial service for Rick Silva is scheduled to begin at 11:00 AM, Friday, June 26, 2015 at the W.F. West High School Gymnasium in Chehalis. Services are under the direction of the Chehalis and Centralia Police Departments, Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, Behind the Badge, and Sticklin Funeral Chapel.
Cindy Silva would like to express the most sincere gratitude for the sustaining love and support of so many at this time.
