Francis Anthony Sylva

On Friday, January 30, 2015, Francis Anthony Sylva of Montague (Willow Creek), left his earthly home for eternal rest with his Heavenly Father. He had the great fortune to be born, live and pass away on the land he loved, and to be surrounded with love by his family. Francis was born on September 28, 1918, on the family ranch. He was the youngest of three sons born to Anthony Jess and Mary Josephine (Leal) Sylva. He distinguished himself in the ranching business his entire life, working alongside his father and two brothers on the Sylva Brothers Ranch, which was homesteaded in 1869 by his grandfather, Manuel Sylva, who emigrated from the Azores Islands. He joined the United States Army on January 24, 1942, and was deployed to the Philippines on September 25, 1942. As a Private First Class, he received a Certificate of Proficiency and qualified as an Expert Marksman. During his military service, he utilized his marksmanship skills as a gunner on 105 artillery and achieved the rank of Sergeant with the 40th Division of the 143rd Field Artillery Battalion. Francis fulfilled his military duty with honor and bravery, and he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Medal, and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star. His accomplishments will always serve as an inspiration for those who aspire to excellence in the defense of their country. When he was Honorably Discharged on November 26, 1945, and returned home to civilian life, Francis met the "girl of his dreams" shortly thereafter. He and Bertha Mae (Dooley) were married on July 25, 1947. They lived the entire 66 years of their marriage in the home they built in 1947 on the Sylva Ranch until Bert passed away in September 2013. Francis was involved as a supporter and leader of the Willow Creek 4-H Club for more than 10 years, and he generously donated his time and support to the Montague Little League and the Yreka High School Athletic Boosters Club. He was also a member of the American Legion. Francis was an active parishioner and contributor to St. Joseph's Catholic Church throughout his life. As a lifelong active member of the Siskiyou County Cattlemen's Association, he and his brothers, Leonard and Edward, were honored as the Siskiyou County Cattlemen of the Year in 1993, approximately 20 years after their father, Jess, had been bestowed with the same distinguished recognition. Francis was predeceased by his wife, Bert, his parents and two brothers, and grandson, Josh Breckenridge-Silva. He is survived by his son David Sylva (wife Connie Lathrop) of Willow Creek; daughter Sheree Sylva of Willow Creek; daughter Bonnie Sylva (husband Mark Powers) of Woodland; daughter Nancy Sylva (husband Robert Silva) of Orland; and daughter Debbie Sylva of Montague; grandchildren Caleb Wright, Chelsie Phillips (Mark), Kyla Sylva, Ambrose (AJ) Smelcer, Taylor Sylva, Alexis DeLeon (Dan), and Travis Powers (Jenni); and great-grandchildren Burgundee, Eddie, Branden, Dilynn, Liam, Dillon, Christopher, Reece, Owen, Benjamin, and soon-to-be-born Lilah. Francis will always be remembered by his family and dear friends as a quiet man with a humble demeanor and strong moral character. His integrity and courage were exceptionally admirable, and his word and a handshake were his bond. He lived his life with a spirit of indomitable strength and unwavering faith in the glory of God. He always believed hard work was the path to a happy, fulfilled life. Francis's patriotism and love of God, family, and country, and the unassuming manner in which he lived his life, will be his everlasting legacy and influence on his family. In celebration of his incredibly blessed and long life, a mass will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 314 Fourth Street, Yreka on Saturday, February 7, 2015 at 10 a.m. A rosary will be held on Friday, February 6 at 7 p.m. at Girdner's Funeral Chapel, 202 South Oregon Street, Yreka. The family requests that if you wish to make any donation in his memory, please consider giving to Madrone Hospice, 255 Collier Circle, Yreka, CA 96097.

Francis Anthony Sylva

September 28, 1918 - January 30, 2015