Manuel Joseph Silva lived a full life of 85 years. He was born in Lompoc, California on March 16, 1925 and passed away in Yuma, Arizona on September 5, 2010.
Manuel was a devoted family man who relished the time he was able to spend with his large family.
He was proceeded in death by: his parents Jule R. and Francisca J. his siblings Frank C. Silva, Mary Kalin, Alice Grossini and Arlene Hain.
He was survived by: his wife Penny Silva; siblings, Evelyn Grossi, Minnie Grossi, Jule R. Silva, Jr; daughters, Susan Parker, Wanda Buffington, Ona Huish, Tina Uecker, Brenda Upmeyer; grandchildren, Justin Huish, Steven Uecker, Rebecca Hopkins, Courtney Johnen, Bill Buffington, Danielle Middleton, Ryan Upmeyer, Kristina Buffington; and great grandchildren, Edward Uecker, Oliver Johnen, Max Middleton, Nicolas Uecker & Alec Johnen.
Manuel was an avid sportsman, who loved camping hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed baseball, college football and basketball. Manuel was a first generation American and a pioneer in glass transportation. He operated a trucking business, which delivered glass to many of the tall buildings in Los Angeles
His move to Yuma, Arizona in 1980 was the realization of his dream to return to his roots by working the land. He purchased a small alfalfa farm. He alone did the irrigating, mowing and bailing until 1987, when he suffered a back injury.
His back surgery limited his ability to walk. After three months in a rehabilitation hospital, he was sent home in a wheel chair. There was nothing more the hospital could do.
The doctors had not counted on his strong will and determination. Manuel regained his ability to walk by rehabilitating himself at home. He was an inspiration to all who knew him.
A vigil service will be held 7 p.m. Friday, September 24, 2010 at the chapel of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary. A funeral mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. Saturday, September 25 at La Purisima Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery.