In loving memory of

Luis E. Silva

October 26, 1982 – February 5, 2024

Lived 41 years

Forest Lawn Memorial Park · Los Angeles, CA

“Your brother will rise.. I am the resurrection and the life. The one who exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life; and everyone who is living and exercises faith in me will never die at all“ (John 11:23, 25 & 26)

Life story

Born in Guerrero, Mexico on October 26, 1982 Luis was the first of five and the only male amongst his sisters: Jael, Joanna, Yesenia and Miriam. At only 10 years of age, Luis lost his father Eliseo Silva to a gun point robbery. Though young, Luis became the “man of the house” at such a young age. He was a protector and a guide to his sisters and a helping hand to his mother Flora Silva (widower). His family found refuge in the belief of a resurrection, a belief only the Jehovah’s Witnesses teach.

Luis had a heart of gold and though at a young age he wanted to be a firefighter to help those in need, he found another way. Motivated to teach others about God’s promises and forgiveness, Luis got baptized at age 14. He loved to talk about the Bible, his favorite Biblical Character was David. Why? David’s story taught him that even though at times you fell short or flawed, you could find comfort in knowing that through Jehovah’s undeserving kindness you could find forgiveness if you repented. He found a lost father in Jehovah and the strength to be strong for his family and younger siblings.

His siblings would tease him for being wonderfully forgetful, so to remember about Jehovah’s forgiveness his younger sister taped on the back of his bedroom door Psalms 103:3 that soon became one of his personal favorites. Another favorite of his was one he often used in the ministry and enjoyed sharing with others, John 17:3 which in short explained the key to eternal life. Since he wanted to help others he spent most mornings going door to door. He also scheduled work around assembly days and his mother’s doctor appointments. He helped everyone he could friends, neighbors, family members and even strangers.

Luis was an artist at heart. In high school, he took classes like Creative writing and Wood shop. He had a passion for poetry and art, after high school he entered a poetry competition and had one of his poems published.

Memories his friends in the truth have shared of him was that: “He was a shining light”, “He would make you feel good about yourself”, “When you’d have a conversation with him, you knew you were gonna have a good day” and another said, “One thing that Luis taught me is that if you fall, no matter how many times, you can always get back up. He always did, I can too!”.

Luis was a great uncle to 2 nieces and 3 nephews: Kairie, Ellie, Kaleb, Julian and Adrian. They remember him by his big smile, his generosity and his jokes. He would shower them with gifts, affection, love and encouragement. He would always make it to graduations, class rehearsal and recitals.

He loved spending time with his family and enjoying a good baseball game. He would go on sister dates and was happy to see all his sisters married off. He had four brother-in-laws: Johnny, Cesar, Arthur and Christian.

He was introduced to a bright independent woman and they both fell in love, deeply enough that he was starting to plan a future with her after seven months, looking for rings and secretly setting a date of when he would pop the question. He wrote her a love poem and sketched her name in graffiti, that was his love language. He would send her cute messages and flowers.

One thing that will stay with his family forever is that though he didn’t get a chance to pop the question, he brought so many people together. He healed wedges and amended relationships. His death bounded his family, friends and girlfriend, to mourn and heal together.

At only age 41, while still relatively young and healthy he suffered a heart attack and passed within minutes. Leaving only great memories and a promise to see us again. He is resting now, no longer suffering with us in this world. And while we run this race of life, we run knowing at the end of this race he will be there readily waiting to embrace us with his loving arms. For now, we will always remember him for all the good he did and the great father (figure) he was. We love you Luis, always!

Photos

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