Followup: Remembering West Seattle Cellars’ Bear Silverstein

The West Seattle Cellars website now includes a tribute to shop co-owner Bear Silverstein, who died last week. We’re still getting notes from people who are just finding out; we had a short report on Thursday and have since talked with WSC’s Tom DiStefano. The memorial display was up when we stopped by the shop to ask him about his favorite memory of Bear:

Bear died of complications from multiple strokes. The Caring Bridge website that pays tribute to him says details of a memorial are still being worked out; WSC, meantime, invites people to “raise a glass and make a toast” in his memory.

Johnny Davies January 19, 2010 (1:04 pm)

Our paths only crossed twice at your store, but both times you were so kind to take the time to share your knowledge. You were genuinely interested in what I was seeking and although our encounters were brief, you had an impact on me.

Rest easy and thank you.

Stacy January 19, 2010 (2:30 pm)

My boyfriend, Brian and I met Bear during the snow storm of December 2008. We went out for a walk and found the wine shop open and spent about an hour talking to Bear about wine. Sad to say, we pass the wine shop daily and talk about going in for a tasting and a few bottles, but have not been back. May he rest in peace. A huge loss to our community.

Bonnie January 19, 2010 (2:37 pm)

I’ve known Bear about 15 years and he will be missed. My thoughts with Bridgett and Anna.

Liberty Bell January 19, 2010 (3:26 pm)

Not so many years ago the West Seattle Junction Association put on two annual Jazz Festivals. The festivals would have never happened without Bear and Tom’s dedication, input, work and love of the festival. I remember Bear having a smile on his face every day of the festival all day long. He thoroughly enjoyed the music and sharing it with the community.

I also knew Bear as a customer, and they just don’t come any better. Caring, friendly and just a fantastic human being. West Seattle has a hole that will not be filled.

Michael Hoffman
Liberty Bell Printing

Michael Le Pard January 20, 2010 (10:06 am)

At one time I had a rather misconceived notion of what went on in a wine shop. I was always rather intimidated by the whole thing. Sometime in 2002, my wife and I walked into the old West Seattle Wine Cellars and to my surprise we were greeted with a great big smile from a rather generously proportioned man with a pony tail, bushy beard and a leather vest sitting on top of a T-shirt. Man was I wrong! Bear changed me forever!

I remember how Bear loved to tell stories and everyone would fall silent to listen to them while we tasted the selection that had been painstakingly selected for thursday. I have missed Bear for quite some time. God speed Bear Silvertein, God speed.

Laura_S January 27, 2010 (10:27 am)

The fact that this week the 20 year ban on importing haggis to the US was lifted has to be Bear’s spirit at work! He was a wonderful man and I will miss him dearly.

Bridgett and Anna February 1, 2010 (11:45 am)

Anna and I want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all of the expressions of what Bear meant to all of you. Thanks to so many of you, the memorial service yesterday was a beautiful tribute to a really good man. He truly loved West Seattle and is counting on all of us to keep reinventing what it means to be a good community for each other. Our love and gratitude to you all, Bridgett and Anna

Jim Davis February 22, 2010 (1:54 pm)

I knew Bear back in high school days – we were both in the Boy Scouts, the Order of the Arrow (BSA honor campers group), and also members of a San Mateo based Explorer Scouts post. I had a great time hanging out w/ Bear and friends – checking out bay area concerts, ski trips, etc.
I lost contact for some time but reconnected about 10 years ago – when I learned about Bear’s love for wine, his wife & daughter… finally had a reunion w/ Bear, Bridgett & Anna at his Dad’s home in San Mateo (met Jorge Bermudez at this party!).
In addition to his wife & daughter Bear brought down 5 bottles of choice wine (my wife learned that she ONLY likes good wines!)
I will never forget Bear and his cheer! – I, along w/ Bear’s family & friends have a huge hole in my heart.

Ethel Silverstein March 7, 2010 (3:03 pm)

I am Mark`s cousin and I feel that you have gone on a journey and you will be remembered always.
Those friends and family that takes a glass of Wine will do so with you

I am going now to take a glass of Wine and think of you with Anna and Bridget.

Ethel

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