Silvio Carlos Quintas

As I sit trying to gather my thoughts to honor the man who made me a better person, who gave me unconditional love, who expressed kindness and gentleness, who saw forgiveness as a God-given quality he practiced often, I am struck by Sil's incredible, overflowing wealth…his family, friends, students and even complete strangers who were drawn to him. Yes, he had career accomplishments and degrees from both UCLA in history, and years later his teaching credential from Cal State Los Angeles. But none of that is the true measure of the man he was. Silvio focused on what truly counts in life, the ability to love, give
back and have faith that God would go before him in all things.

After graduating UCLA, Sil ran his father's business. When NAFTA and GATT caused the closure of the family garment contracting business, he turned to teaching sharing his love of history with the next generation. His greatest joy was when his students returned and told him they would be going to college to study history, or that they learned so much about life from him that it changed their outlook and lifestyle. He encouraged them to strive for excellence and was honored when they shared he had inspired them to achieve higher goals both in life and academics.

Sil was meant to inspire children. I learned this very quickly after his son Bryan was born. He coached every sport Bryan played…baseball, basketball, and soccer and taught him to play and love golf; it was Bryan's first spoken word, golf! Sil built winning sports teams through hard work, dedication, a loving attitude infused in both players AND parents. He instilled a passion for sports in Bryan who will be graduating USC in May with a degree in Sports Communications. As
many may know, Sil was a true UCLA Bruin! You can only imagine the Trojan/Bruin banter between Sil and Bryan!!!

Sil knew how to love others and share himself in selfless ways. He brought joy and laughter wherever he went. Most importantly, he lived a life of service to others. He truly loved people and felt it not only his duty, but his calling, to serve others. Our last Christmas was one we shared in service together as a family. Our gift to each other was to help families who had a child in medical crisis. We did not exchange gifts. Instead, we worked our ministry Here to Serve together with our
son Bryan visiting families on Christmas Eve. On Christmas we had family and friends join us at the dinner that was made possible by Sil's incredible poker skills during a Friday night game with friends! We said "thank you Lord!" (Although I doubted God had anything to do with his poker winnings!)

Sil was a man of faith with endless love for others. He truly exemplified a life devoted to the highest calling by God…to love one another.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 15, 2014 at 11:00 AM at the Bethany Church of Sierra Madre.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be may in Sil's memory to:
The Silvio Quintas Memorial Fund
A Benefit for Sil's Wife and Son
www.talbertfamilyfoundation.org/pages/silvio.html
or
Here To Serve
A Non-Profit Organization
https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/HeretoServe/Giving.html