Wyatt Silker

Wyatt B. Silker, 79, of Columbia Falls, passed away peacefully at his home June 11, 2008, with his loving family surrounding him.

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 he 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; daughter Valerie Hamilton and her husband Steve, of Kennewick, Wash.; daughter Lynn Maras and her husband Rick, of Colville, Wash.; 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 his home, 221 Sampson Lane, between Columbia Falls and Kalispell, on July 19, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. 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.