1930 - 2016
Dayton Silva passed away peacefully at home in Acampo, Calif. He was born in Hayward, Calif., and grew up in Pleasanton. He started working for the Walker family in Livermore at the age of 16. Dayton’s love for riding horses, roping and ranching, building his own herd of cows, was his way of life. After working for the Walker family for almost 30 years, he moved to Brentwood and worked for Sparrowk Livestock for 18 years. He then retired, sold his cows, but continued running steers at Brushy Peak in Livermore. Branding calves and team roping was something he never gave up. He never turned down a roping or an invitation to brand calves.
Dayton never missed a Livermore Rodeo since 1944. He served on the Livermore Rodeo Committee and was the Rodeo Arena Director for years. He was a member of the California Cattleman’s Association, Life Time Member of the PRCA, Life Member of USTRC. Each month was highlighted with the arrival of the PRCA Rodeo Sports News and the Ropers Sports News.
Dayton is survived by his wife of 42 years, Pearl Silva; two daughters, Susan Santucci (Paul) and Nancy Dunn (Earl), three grandchildren (Doug Santucci, Carly Santucci Piazza and Keeley Hall), sister-in-law (Carol MacKinnon), and her three children (Jody, Erin and Bob).
Dayton lived his life to the fullest, with love, laughter and now and then a practical joke.
Honoring Dayton’s wishes there were no services held. Dayton’s memory can be remembered with a donation to your favorite charity, or pay it forward with a kind deed.
He was loved, and will be missed by a world of family and friends.