Wyatt B. Silker, 79
Wyatt B. Silker, 79, of Columbia Falls, passed away peacefully at his home June 11, 2008, with his loving family surrounding him. The day Wyatt made his decision to come home from the hospital, it snowed 3 inches, and he was able to watch the snow falling in front of his beautiful mountain one last time. What a perfect ending for an avid skier. He valiantly fought COPD but unexpectedly died from an unknown metastasized cancer. Wyatt is loved and missed beyond description.
Wyatt was born in Iowa and moved to Richland, Wash., in 1950. He began working for General Electric at that time and transferred to Battelle Northwest in 1965. He worked as a senior research scientist and oceanographer.
Wyatt had a dream to retire early, move to Montana and ski as often as he could. In 1978, he met Roberta Beal, who also enjoyed skiing and who shared his dream. In 1982, they married, and their dream became a reality.
They bought an old place in the country with a stunning view of the mountains, and through the years Wyatt moved and rebuilt the entire house. He truly was a "Montana Mountain Man" in his heart, and he loved his chain saw. Wyatt savored his life in Montana, enjoying skiing, wooding, gathering huckleberries and morel mushrooms, viewing birds and wildlife, raising beloved companion dogs, and watching sports. A dedicated hunter, Wyatt kept his freezer full.
In Washington, he was involved with the Boy Scouts and the Desert Ski Club for numerous years. In Montana he was a volunteer for the Dream Disabled Ski Program for 24 years, working with clients from Flathead Industries.
Wyatt was best known for his honesty, integrity and generosity, and positively influenced many lives. His terrific sense of humor lifted many spirits. He will truly be missed by all who knew him. His love will continue on as family and friends remember the wonderful times that were shared.
Wyatt is survived by Roberta Silker, his wife and best friend of 26 years; his daughter, Valerie Hamilton, and her husband, Steve, of Kennewick, Wash.; his daughter, Lynn Maras, and her husband, Rick, of Colville, Wash.; his sister, Gwen Selby, and her husband, Jack, of Kennewick, and their families; grandchildren, Jackie Hamilton, Jennifer Hamilton and Derek Easling; and great-grandchildren, Brandy Pratt-Hamilton and Nicholas Carrasco. He also left behind numerous friends and colleagues.
An honoring of Wyatt will be held at 1:30 p.m. July 19, at his home, at 221 Sampson Lane, between Columbia Falls and Kalispell. The Rev. Christa Bourne will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Dream Disabled Ski Program, 997 Glades Drive, Whitefish, MT 59937; or the Grounded Eagle Foundation Inc., 278 Draft Creek Road, Condon, MT 59826-8801, a rehabilitation facility for injured birds.