Grant Josiah Silvernale, Jr., passed away in Moscow, Idaho, on October 31, 2017. He was 90 years old. He was born on March 2, 1927, in Walla Walla, Washington, to Grant Josiah Silvernale, Sr., and Leanor M. (Hall) Silvernale.
He had fond memories of growing up on the South Hill in Spokane with his three siblings, Mary, Lawrence (Larry), and Peter (Pete). The time spent working in the woods of northern Idaho with his brothers was recounted many times on the deck at the lake cabin and the occasional road trip with his siblings while revisiting his old stomping grounds.
He served in the US Coast Guard during World War II, graduating from Radioman School in 1945, and served on Hawaii at Loran Radio Navigation Station 206. We have a scrapbook of his wartime experiences, including reminiscences in Atlantic City in 1945, marching in the Miss America Pageant Parade, and hearing Duke Ellington play at the Zanzabar, to photos from the 1946 tidal wave in Hawaii. He graduated from Whitman College in 1950 and cherished the lifelong friendships he diligently maintained with his Whitman friends.
After graduating from the University of Washington Law School and being admitted into the Washington State Bar in 1953, he began his career as an attorney in Spokane as a deputy prosecuting attorney and then as an associate at Paine, Lowe, Coffin, Herman and O’Kelly. In 1960, he moved and started what became a 30-year career with the Kirkland firm of Powell, Livengood, Silvernale, Carter and Tjossem. He was a member of the Board of Editors of the University of Washington Law Review, twice elected to the office as a Director of the Lake Washington School District No. 414, and served nearly 20 years as a member of the King County Law Library Board.
Grant married Nancy Dudley Allen on September 16, 1961, in Seattle and they had three children: Joe, Mary and Chuck. The family home on the shore of Lake Washington in Kirkland was a wonderful place to grow up.
Because of Dad, our family has wonderful memories, experiences, and attachments to several places, including Greenwater, Washington, and Crystal Mountain Ski Resort; Indian Wells and the Palm Desert area; Napili Kai Beach Resort on Maui; and, of course, Lake Coeur d’Alene. Dad was one of the founders of the Pilot Rock community on Lake Coeur d’Alene in the 1950’s and he returned to his favorite place on the planet faithfully at every opportunity, hosting countless gatherings of family and friends. His kids and grandkids are forever grateful for this legacy.
Dad gave one toast at every wedding – “May you be as happy as Nancy and I,” and his devotion to his wife of 56 years was steadfast. Dad skied into his 70’s with an old school elegance rarely seen on the slopes today. His green thumb grew everything from sweet corn to orchids. He took great pride in seeing his children and grandchildren achieve educational success in life. He was a lifelong reader and devoured several newspapers a day. Writing skills served him well in his personal and professional life – he didn’t function in life without making a list, he wrote thoughtful messages on the cards his wife organized for him to send on every major occasion, and his log entries for the Turn Point sailboat are the stuff of family legend. A particular log entry is one for the ages – the summer of Watergate cruising with family friends (the Heaths), a rude t-shirt, and a near miss docking experience.
In addition to his wife Nancy, he is survived by his son Grant (Joe) Josiah Silvernale, III (Alexis) of Kirkland, Washington; his daughter Mary Elizabeth Silvernale Shook (Steve) of Moscow, Idaho; his son Charles (Chuck) Edward Silvernale (Trish) of Poulsbo, Washington. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Casey and Carly Silvernale, Boston Massachusetts; Peter Silvernale, Poulsbo, Washington; Ben Silvernale, Seattle; step grandchildren Jacob Brown and Abby Sheldon, Poulsbo, Washington; Grace Shook, Edinburgh, Scotland; James and Jennings Shook, Moscow, Idaho; many nieces and nephews; and three sisters-in-law, Poo Penrose of Shoreline, Washington, Pearl Silvernale of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Joanne K. Silvernale of Seattle.
At his request, the family will hold a private memorial next summer at the lake to scatter his ashes. The family requests that any memorials be made in his honor to Seattle’s Museum of Flight or Whitman College’s William Allen-Boeing Lectureship and Student Investment Endowment.
While his offspring might not have fully embraced his fondness for plaid pants as holiday wear, bow ties, buying bacon at Costco, or consumption of Two Buck Chuck, Dad’s legacy of generosity, support, and pride in our achievements is greatly appreciated. The family suggests you raise your favorite glass of red wine to a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, friend and community supporter. Dad, we all loved you and we will miss you terribly.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Short’s Funeral Chapel of Moscow and condolences may be left at www.shortsfuneralchapel.com
