Wendell "Wen" A. Silvester Obituary (1922 - 2014)

Wendell A. Silvester (Wen) Wendell was born in Box Elder County, Utah on April 11, 1922, died on October 30, 2014. As a 17 year old cowboy from Plymouth, Utah, he joined the Navy and spent three years on a mine sweeper during many of the key battles of WWII. In 1945, upon returning from the war, he married Nada Lewis of Malad, Idaho. They had Fred, Wenda Lee, Annette and Lance while living in Ogden. Wen spent many of his early adult years with two full time jobs. He sold appliances at the Sears store on Washington Blvd. and Wall Ave. He also served years as Pastor of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Ogden congregation. He was dedicated to both jobs, and made many lifelong friends both in his sales role and as a spiritual advisor. Nada died in 1967. Wen married Virginia White in 1968 and her son, Steve, become a member of the family. Wen and Virginia moved from Utah to Montana where Virginia's family lived, and spent many wonderful years in the Gallatin Canyon of southern Montana. Of course Grandma and Grandpa's house in Montana with bear, deer and elk in the backyard became a favorite gathering place for kids and grandkids alike. Wen became very involved with the Christian community while in Montana and began using his pastoral skills in a broader context. Eventually, Wen and Virginia moved back to Utah and helped establish the Christian Center in Farmington, where Wen was pastor for a number of years. Wen and Virginia developed a special relationship with their two oldest granddaughters, Micky and Tammy, assisting in their care at a time their mother had to work to provide for them, and being there for them in good times and bad. Wen and Virginia moved between Montana and Utah in recent years and reside in Layton. For 46 years Wen and Virginia have been devoted to each other, their family and friends. Virginia never hesitates telling friends and family how grateful she is they found each other and got to share those years. During Wen's latter years, while relying on care at the VA Medical Center, he got to spend regular travel time with Wenda Lee, and she got the time to hear stories new and old. Wen left indelible marks everywhere he worked and ministered, whether it was the long list of loyal customers and co-workers or those who took part in his church congregations. Wen and Virginia lost Lance a few years ago. Fred, Wenda Lee, Annette and Steve have provided the joy of 16 grandchildren, 16 great- grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Virginia and the family will receive guests and say goodbye to Wen at Myers Ogden Mortuary, 845 Washington Blvd. from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4, 2014. There will be a short graveside celebration after at Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch. VisitationMyers Mortuary - Ogden 100 Monroe Blvd. Ogden, UT 84404 November 4, 2014 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM ServiceGraveside , November 4, 2014 1:00 PM CemeteryMemorial Gardens of the Wasatch 1718 Combe Rd Ogden, UT 84403 November 4, 2014