Bob and Kate Silsby were two of our very favorite people.  What a gift it was to have known them!  Our thoughts and sympathy go out to their family and friends. . . .

Dr. Silsby... 
I was saddened upon hearing of your passing but I hope it was a peaceful transition.  You provided many interesting and entertaining moments for my friends and me, in Room 303 at Kenmore West.  I drew lots of caricatures of you, and once used your last name as the title for a lyrical parody of an Elton John song that I wrote (Elton's "Grimsby" became my "Silsby").  But most of all, I will always remember what a brilliant, kind, patient and humble person you were - in addition to being a wonderful teacher.   Also, you had a great sense of humor and I know you would have appreciated the caricatures and the song lyrics.  Heck, you probably did see all of that stuff but didn't let on...
Rest In Peace, Doc Silsby.

So saddened to hear my former teacher and neighbor passed on My prayers and condolences go to the family
Wonderful knowing him   I learned so much from him

It is an honor and a privilege to have known such a great man and his wife.  Love to the Silsbys and the Kings.
Mary W.
American Red Cross

Thank you for all you did, Doc!  Well done.  ;)

I had Dr. Silsby for history in my senior year. He was amazing and I still love history. Rest in Peace - you earned it!

Dr Silsby was my favorite teacher at Kenmore West.  He made history come alive for me.  I just loved his class.  I remember having great discussions and debates while at the same time laughing and having fun.  I still sometimes grab my two lips and pull them out when I want my kids to be quiet.  They know I learned that from my teacher, Dr Silsby.  One more thing....my senior year (1988), I was nominated for an award and was allowed to bring a favorite teacher to a dinner. What I remember from the evening was that I did not win the award, but it didn't matter.  I was so proud to sit with Dr Silsby, and he was kind and funny and especially sweet when I was a little embarrassed that I didn't win.   Dr Silsby was a GREAT man.  I will never forget him!!!

I wish Dr.Silsby's family the best. I have fond memories of the time he was my History teacher at Kenmore West. He was a remarkable man to say the least.

My best to Dr. Silsby's Family.  He was and is a great man.  He helped me get into college and out of high school.  He made history very interesting till this day.   What a great man.

David Giffin KW 1973

Doc Silsby was one of the most memorable teachers I had at Kenmore West!  He was such a great person with a wonderful sense of humor and a light heartedness that made you love him. The picture from the guest book captures his spirit and his friendly smile is what I will always remember. I am so sorry for your loss, but know you will be sustained with all the memories you shared.  Deepest sympathies. He was one of a kind!

I had the privilege of working at KenWest with Dr. Silsby.  He was a gentle man with a wonderful sense of humor.  I always enjoyed being in his company and Kate's.  He will be missed.

"Dr. Bob" and Kate were great people. I was lucky to work with both of them. Bob was such a gentleman and a great teacher.

Dr. Silsby was such a passionate teacher and a good guy.  He made AP History fun and inspired me and many to a lifelong search for answers.

My condolences to the Silsby family.  Dr. Silsby was one of the brightest lights in my life and he was the consummate professional who played a big part in the lives of hundreds of children.  The community has lost a great one...Bruce Baehre, Kenmore West Class of 1981

I remember Mr. Silsby, you always saw him walking the Halls I graduated in 1981.   RIP MR. SILSBY YOU WERE ONE OF THE GREATEST TEACHERS IN KENMORE WEST HISTORY!!

My grandparents were such amazing people and our family will miss them so much.  Thank you for sharing your great memories with us.

I was privileged to be a student in Dr Silby's AP History class in 1989.   He inspired me to learn and explore the real history behind the textbook.   The intellectual curiosity he instilled me has shaped my thinking ever since.   Like hundreds of others I thank you Dr Silsby and express my deepest admiration for the way that you lived your life.

Doc Silsby was such a kind and humble man.  Those of us who were so fortunate to have learned from him are better because of it.

RIP Doc.  You were one in a million and 24 years after 11 grade English still not only one of my favorite teachers but one of my favorite people I've had the pleasure of meeting and spending time with. I was blessed to know you and spend a few minutes with you each morning for 3 years while at West and it was truly an honor. God bless and safe passages.

What a wonderful man who taught us all how to live...and laugh. Bob was my inspiration to become a teacher. You will be sorely missed.

Doc Silsby was one of my favorite teachers.  A testament to him is that he is the only teacher on whom I ever played pranks.  He returned the favor by interrupting my afternoon siesta, if it accidentally occured during his class, by whacking a yardstick across my desk.  It was all great fun.  He showed tremendous respect and compassion for his students, as we did for him.  My condolences to his family.

My deepest condolences to the Silsby family (Hi Chuck!). Dr. Silsby was one of my most memorable teachers at Ken West. I always admired and respected him.  He had a funny sense of humor too! May his memory live on and be an inspiration to us all.

Dr. Silsby was a tremendous teacher and a lovely man.  He always had an impish grin on his face and a sparkle in his eye.  He had a long, fulfilling life and will be missed.  My condolences to the Silsby family.

To the Silsby Family,
My sincere condolences to your family for your loss.  Mr. Silsby was my social studies teacher at Kenmore West between 1979-81.  He was a great teacher, and a wonderful person.  He made learning fun because he enjoyed it so much. I am not surprised to see how involved he was throughout the community.  May his memory be eternal.

I was so saddened to hear of Dr. Silsby's passing.  Though it has been many years since I graduated (30), when I think of my time.at West very few teachers stick out in my mind, but he was one of them.  He helped me get my first part-time job by writing me a glowing letter of.recommendation on a moments notice, back when getting a part-time job even required one.  He loved my enthusiasm and encouraged it in class.  The world has lost a great man.

Thank you for all your years of teaching at KenWest! RIP Blue Devil.

Gob Bless you Robert. May you Rest in Peace with your beloved wife Katherine. Both you and your wife were great neighbors to live by in Kenmore. We always appreciated a smile and a good day, also the knitted hats Katherine used to make for us in the winter. My family will keep both of you and your memories in our Prayers always. Both ourselves and Ken-ton has not only lost a neighbor but a valuable asset to our community. The Levesque Family..

A great teacher and great guy! Dr. Silsby got me interested in world affairs, which led me to a future career I loved. He also inspired me to do Red Cross volunteering. Deepest condolences to his family on his passing away.

OBITUARY

Robert W. Silsby PHD

April 9, 1921 – June 16, 2012

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