Obituary for Isaiah Leo Silva

“Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.”

— Helen Keller

Isaiah Leo Silva was born on the 16th of November in the year 2004, and passed away 16 short years later, on February 18th, 2021. When he was born, a happy couple with 2 little kids aged 1 and 2 would be receiving this little baby as a surprise. This little baby came as an early birthday gift for his father, Arthur Silva. Isaiah Leo Silva was the most daring, yet the sweetest kid his family has ever known. His parents’ baby boy and the crowning jewel of the Silva family-- to his older brother, a devoted fan, and to his sister, the perfect partner in mischief. Isaiah Leo Silva was the man, the myth, and the legend, the kid with a seemingly infinite number of lives. From birth to death, he was full of vibrance and courage. He knew no bounds, and the only thing to slow him down was the need for sleep. Ask anyone who knew Isaiah, and they can think of a story that most would consider a precarious scenario, but to him it was just another daring adventure. He would climb to the very tops of the tallest pine trees as they sway in the wind. He was the one who would daily jump from the top of the bunk bed, despite the hardwood floor beckoning below. Isaiah even once injured his head with a rock and a water balloon slingshot (we’ll leave the details to your imagination). Despite some bleeding after this incident, he refused medical evaluation so as not to miss out on another adventure. Isaiah was the one who convinced his older brother that climbing to the top of a tree and falling to the ground was a great idea. Adamant in the daily wear of athletic shorts in the frequent freezing temperatures of Ohio, he was as tough as nails and seemingly impervious to life’s discomforts. However, Isaiah also had the greatest heart of gold and the balance of a softer side. For most of his life, he and his brother shared a bedroom staying up late talking about life for hours on end. Isaiah was the best cuddle buddy and loving son to his mother. He loved sitting on the couch, head in his mother’s lap reading a story, watching a movie on the couch, or resting his eyes. Isaiah “Superman--The Beast” was the best helper ever. Always the willing servant, Isaiah’s fearlessness enabled him to tackle any task without hesitation. Isaiah was even willing to climb up into the top of a storage pod, as dark and cold as it was, and through a gap as wide as he was. He then proceeded to move large items at the top of the pod to help us open the stuck door on the pod. He was the sole reason many family undertakings were completed-- the quiet soul, sound worker, and forever help. Babies were drawn to Isaiah’s entertaining, yet gentle nature, and for the older crowd he told the funniest jokes and stories that could bring a room to tears of laughter. Isaiah was a quirky, hilarious kid. In his later years he developed an intense interest in metal-working--fascinated not only with challenging projects, but just the intense power of the forge. Isaiah dreamed of being a welder, with a natural inclination for one of the most dangerous occupations out there, underwater welding. This world is not fair, this world is not kind, and unfortunately the sting of death claimed its next victim. However, let us not get lost in sorrow, but rejoice in Isaiah Leo Silva’s life of adventure and laughter and remember the joy he gifted us with--and the gift of laughter is a very good gift indeed.

Romans 8:38

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Isaiah Leo Silva is survived by his father, Lloyd Arthur (Art) Silva, mother, Kythrie Silva, brother Paul Silva, and sister Anna Silva. He is also survived by his grandfather John Ezra Dunkin, grandmother Sally Dunkin, grandmother Phyllis Dunkin, and grandmother Patricia Pruitt. He is also survived by 7 aunts and uncles, 9 cousins, and a large close-knit extended family.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Northland Church of Christ. You can either send a check to the church or donate through the church website, www.ncocfamily.org. Please put Isaiah's name in the comment section.