Robert Silverman

Robert Allan Silverman December 7, 1936 - August 25, 2018 Robert Allan Silverman passed away on August 25th, 2018. Born on December 7th, 1936 to Minnica and Ferdinand Silverman in Springs, South Africa. Bob Silverman grew up in Pretoria, South Africa and graduated from the University of Pretoria by age 20 and became a Chartered Accountant in 1958 at 21 years of age. "Bob" or "Bobby" as his best friends called him, was a Practicing Accountant and Partner at Lief, Weiner & Silverman and then joined Premier Investment Group in 1967 as CFO and subsequently CEO in 1972. Bob left South Africa in 1978 with the desire for a better life for his wife Ursula and their four children, Gerald, Clive, Colleen and Steven and lived in San Diego, California near his brother and sister for about one year before being invited to Houston Texas by a friend to help him with his business. Bob formed Brocon Inc., and subsequently became a trusted consultant, adviser, broker and investor for a variety of successful business ventures until a local Houston jeweler showed him a handful of diamond simulants that he couldn't find a market for. Bob made the local jeweler an offer he couldn't refuse by offering to purchase all the stones if he would let him know the name of the manufacturer. In 1984 Bob formed The Allanite Company which subsequently became the Lannyte Gemstone Company which still markets and sells a multitude of man-made gemstones to the jewelry industry. After successfully advising over 15 successful companies, The Lannyte Gemstone Company continued to excite and motivate him to go to work and was his true passion created from scratch and still operates today with the help of his wife of 57 years and under the management of his son Clive supplying over 2000 jewelers all over the world. He was very well respected as a successful entrepreneur, investor and business owner and spent many years teaching his children the necessary skills and knowledge regarding business and the responsibility to society and community that comes with being successful. He was an adventurer both in business and life and loved traveling the world and meeting people from all walks of life. His quick wit and humor was unmatched and drinking with him was an adventure in itself in his very own private custom home bar. Bob was always generous with his money and time. Other than traveling, golf was his passion throughout most of his life and lived life with an infectious enthusiasm and passion. Integrity and honesty were the pillars of his character while his humor, charisma and wit was an inspiration to all who knew him and which will leave a giant void. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Ursula, his brother Michael and wife Ilana, his loving sister Lyn (recently passed) and husband Lionel. His children Colleen and husband Oscar, and sons Gerald and wife Kim, Clive and wife Kim and Steven and partner Denna. He also adored his grandchildren Domonique, Breanna, Isabella, Madison and Grayson. He wouldn't have a drink before 5 pm, but then always said "it's got to be 5 pm somewhere in this world" and believed that life needed to be enjoyed and celebrated. He will be missed but lives on inside all those who knew him. In lieu of sending flowers, lighting a candle or planting a tree my father requested that you buy a stranger a drink.