Stephen Silver: Outdoorsman, Craftsman, Family Man

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Stephen Wesley Silver

Stephen Wesley Silver

, of Menifee, California, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2025, at the age of 80.  Stephen was preceded in death by his brother Neal Silver and his parents, Joel and Arlene Silver.

Born on December 28, 1944, in Murray, Utah, Stephen lived a life filled with craftsmanship, adventure, and love for the great outdoors. After graduating from Arcata High School in 1963, he began his career as a meat cutter for Safeway, working in stores throughout Humboldt and Del Norte Counties. Known for his dedication and skill, Stephen built a proud career that spanned decades before his well-earned retirement in 1999.  In 2007, Stephen and his wife moved from McKinleyville, California to Shasta Lake, California where they enjoyed summer visits with their grandchildren until they moved to Menifee in 2021.

Outside of work, Stephen was a man of boundless creativity and curiosity. He loved hunting, fishing, crabbing, camping, painting, and woodworking—especially when these passions brought him closer to nature and his family. Among his many projects, one stood out: a miniature schooner carved entirely from a single 2×4, complete with tiny tables, chairs, and even working lights—a remarkable testament to his patience and craftsmanship.

Stephen’s love for the outdoors led him to many adventures, from a drop camp elk hunting trip in Colorado to a legendary day when he harvested two bucks and two quail. But more than any trophy, his greatest joy came from camping was making s’mores in the backyard with the grandkids, and being outdoors with his family. His favorite place in the world was anywhere on the water in a boat, surrounded by those he loved.

He also had a lifelong spirit of exploration, traveling to Maui, Oahu, Grand Cayman, Miami, Cozumel, St. Thomas, St. Martin, and Costa Maya.

At home, Stephen enjoyed good food, country music, and a quiet evening with his favorite shows. He was a fan of Wagon Train, Gold Rush, Bob Vila’s Home Again, Cops, Holmes on Homes, and CSI: Miami, and he loved movies like National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Independence Day, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and The Day After Tomorrow. His playlist was full of country legends—Waylon Jennings, Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, and Dolly Parton—whose songs reflected the heart and soul of the man himself.

Stephen is survived by his wife, Marie Silver; daughter Shawna Montoya and son-in-law DJ Montoya; his sons Phillip and Robert Silver; his beloved granddaughters Sofia and Gabby Montoya; and his brother Brian Silver. He will be remembered as an adoring husband, loving father, devoted grandfather, and friend whose humor, craftsmanship, and adventurous spirit left a lasting imprint on everyone he met.

His life was one of integrity, laughter, and simple joys—a life well-lived and deeply loved.  In lieu of flowers, his family asks that you make a donation to your local hospice or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.