Robert Charles Silhavy, 67

On January 6, 2016, the wind carried Bob from his home onto the third fairway of the Coeur d’Alene Golf Course and into the loving arms of his parents, grandparents and all his friends who had gone before him.

Robert “Bob” Charles Silhavy, was born November 15, 1948, to Captain Robert C. and Bonnie Silhavy at SHMC in Spokane, Wash. Early in life he lived in Omak, Wash., as an infant before moving with his parents to Spokane. At age 10, his family relocated to Long Beach, Calif., where he attended high school. After graduation, in 1968, he attended the University of Washington, Washington State University and later studied at UCLA from 1970-1972.

In 1972, Bob was drafted into the USAF serving as an active duty Airman 1st Class and trained as a Lab Specialist at Fairchild Air Force Base. From 1973-1978, he served in the Air National Guard in Spokane. In 1976, Bob earned his Bachelor of Science degree at EWU followed by a Master of Science degree in 1977. Bob had an 18-year career as a lab supervisor in multiple settings until retiring in 1995 due to health reasons.

At a young age Bob learned to tap dance and play accordion performing on Spokane’s Starlit Stairway for a number of years. He was an avid golfer, vivacious reader and a celebratory man.

Special mention to those he left behind, Tess Steinmetz and Martha McRea, the true loves of his life; Betty Roark; Dan and Trudy Braun; Greg Lynch; Jim Gardinier; Bernie Roe; Nona Rick; Jim and Nell Spaulding; Bill Brunelle; Barb Kobs; Cliff and Mary K. “Casey” Prosch; and Dr. Robert Hagen, MD.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please donate to a charity of your choice in memory of Robert C. Silhavy.