A big smile. A warm heart. Passion. Hard work on behalf of the people he represented. Those were among the things Las Crucens were remembering about former City Councilor Miguel Silva after his death last weekend.
Courtesy photo
Miguel Silva
Police say Silva’s death was an apparent suicide. He was 55.
A visitation for Silva is being held at 6 p.m. Friday at St. Albert the Great Newman Center, 2615 Solano St. in Las Cruces, followed by a rosary at 7 p.m. Silva’s funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Newman Center.
In lieu of flowers, his family asks for donations to Mesilla Valley Community of Hope or a service charity of your choice. Read Silva’s obituary here.
NMPolitics.net received some thoughtful comments on social media from people who were mourning and remembering Silva. We’re publishing many here in their entirety:
I have known Miguel for over 25 years, from the days of wearing aprons at El Patio, to his infamous Tax Parties on April 15th, where he’d get a parade permit and we’d march to the Post Office before midnight, to his crazy hat days. He could be tremendous fun and humorous, but he also could be very serious and intense, when it came to the City of Las Cruces, the Mesquite Historical District and Recycling efforts. His smile and huge laugh will never be forgotten. Larger than life, was Miguel. No one like this gentleman.
Jim Ericson, former Las Cruces city manager
I have known Miguel G Silva for many years while i worked gor the City and after my retirement. Miguel was always a gentleman and a friend. I am truly saddened by his passing. He was a very positive influence in the City and County. He will be missed.
Rabbi Larry Karol of Las Cruces
I appreciated the times when Miguel tried to bring people with different viewpoints together. Even when we disagreed on a particular issue in one arena, he would be friendly when he saw me out and about in the community. I know he cared deeply about the well-being of Las Cruces. I can see that there is sadness in and around town. A Jewish prayer declares, “May he know peace in his resting place, and may his soul be bound up in the great bond of life.” I wish that for Miguel, and trust that good memories of him will live on for those who were touched by his work and his presence.
What a tragic loss. We will miss your smile Miguel.
Michael Ray Huerta, former Las Cruces mayoral candidate
Anyone who has run for public office knows that campaigns can be difficult. But those of us who have lost our races know that losing can be emotionally overwhelming. It’s easy to feel as though you’ve let down the hundreds of volunteers and supporters who counted on you, who wanted you to make a difference. The irony with Miguel is that he didn’t need an elected office to change the lives of those around him; he did it everyday by just being himself. His loss will be felt not only by those who knew him, but by the strangers he encountered everyday. Thank you, Miguel G Silva, for making so much of your time on this Earth. May we learn from your kindness and draw strength from your smile.
May God welcome him and be with all his loved ones during this time. Such a great loss, fun individual, and hard working guy in our community. May he always be remembered in life.
Lupe Cano, Silver City town councilor
Miguel was my colleague, and we served together this past year on a Municipal League committee. More than that, though, he was a dear friend. His smile could light up any room he walked into. He shared his wisdom freely and ALWAYS had a word of encouragement for me. I am thankful that I was able to know him these last couple of years.
A loss for us all. He fought for so much for so many — a truly generous man.
I remember him walking into my dojo and him telling me if I was ready to run for his seat he was passing the torch to me because he was running for Mayor and told me I was the person for the district. We had many Good times. He will be missed. My Prayers will be with you Miguel Silva. Thank you for everything you did for me my family and our community.
Stacey Cox of California (formerly of Las Cruces)
Oh no. I’m so so sorry to hear this. Peace to you Miguel. thank you for always being so kind to me.
David McCollum, former Las Cruces Bulletin owner
Difficult to comprehend the “why.” Miguel was not only a friend, but also was one of the best elected officials I have ever known. He knew our history. He carefully studied the issues. He truly cared about people and the future of our community.
Lynette Schurdevin of Las Cruces
I always enjoyed my visits with councillor Silva. My prayers for him and his family.
Ray Powell, former N.M. land commissioner
Thank you Miguel for your kindness, caring, and enthusiasm. You and Andres [Silva’s brother, a former Deming mayor who died in 2014] gave a gift of caring to people straight from your hearts.
Christopher Daniels of Las Cruces
I didn’t know him personally, but I meet him a few times at DACC And he was always a pleasant individual and always carried himself well. My condolences to the family. RIP Mr. Silva.
Las Cruces and the entire region has lost a great soul, thinker, and truly admirable man.
Wayne Hancock, Doña Ana County Commission chairman
He will be missed.
Gil Sorg, Las Cruces city councilor
RIP Miguel.
Tessie Saenz of El Paso, Texas
Las Cruces and southern New Mexico has lost an outstanding, remarkable, compasionate citizen…we’ve also lost a caring, loving, fun-loving and one-of-a-kind friend and brother…I love you Mig!! Will miss you so much!
A video tribute
This video, showing Silva on New Year’s Eve 2015, is circulating on social media:
Miguel Silva Tribute from PRC Productions on Vimeo.