Gladstone, MI
Richard “Dick” D. Silvieus, a great father, husband, brother, and son, left us to be with Jesus his Savior Monday morning, September 26, 2016 at UP Health System in Marquette, Michigan.
Richard was born August 22, 1932, in Ashtabula, Ohio, the son of Glenn and Elsie (Welser) Silvieus. He met Laura Hulbert at Edgewood High School where he was the Junior and Senior Class President. Laura and Richard were married on July 14, 1951 and they celebrated their 65th anniversary last July. Richard and Laura then left to attend The Ohio State University where Rich received a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture in January, 1956. Rich also entered the OSU Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps.
Following graduation, Rich went to work for the Wayside Gardens Co. in Mentor, Ohio where he worked his way up to the position of Production Manager, raising his family on the Perry, Ohio nursery farm. In 1974 he purchased land, moved to his hometown of Ashtabula, and started his business as owner of Landscape Industries in Perry, Ohio. He became a respected regional expert in wholesale ornamental tree and shrub production through budding and grafting for the landscaping industry, and he had contacts and friends in the nursery business across the nation. He retired in 1997 and focused on family, friends and fishing. He and Laura spent their winters in south Florida on Lake Osborne with Laura’s brother, sisters, many friends, and visitors especially his 5 brothers and their families. He was a member of Ohio Nurserymen’s Association and a member of Edgewood Alumni Association. Rich loved camping, boating, fishing or sitting on the porch or by the lake having coffee with family and friends. He loved his church family at Fellowship Bible Church in Ashtabula where his son Jeff was the pastor, and Eagleville Bible Church, Ohio and Grace Church in Gladstone, Michigan. In 2014 Rich and Laura moved to Gladstone, Michigan to live with his son David and Mary Silvieus.
In addition to his loving wife survivors include:
2 sons; Dave (Mary) Silvieus of Gladstone, MI and Pastor Jeff (Sue) Silvieus of Clinton Corners, NY
daughter; Joan Silvieus of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
5 brothers; Roy(Doris), Ronnie (Peg), Roger (Brenda), Ralph (Madelyn) and Ross (Gerta)
6 grandchildren; Leah (Sean), Kyle, Tim (Allison), Nathan, Hannah (Alex) and Evan
In addition to Rich’s parents, he was preceded in death by his infant daughter Linda.
The date and time for a memorial service to celebrate Rich’s life and faith will be announced at a later date.