Dr. Gene Michael Silberhorn, lover of saltwater and admirer of all things green, passed peacefully into God’s arms on Friday, August 15, 2025, at 87. A beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Gene is survived by his wife of 65 years, Sue; son, Michael, his wife Tina, and children, Ford, Addy, and Jack, and son, David, his wife Deana, and son, Hunter Ingham.
Gene was born in the small town of Riga, Michigan, to Arnold and Rosa Silberhorn, growing up to develop a deep love of botany and the natural world. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Michigan University, his Master of Science degree from West Virginia University, and his doctorate from Kent State University. Ever the perennial scholar, Gene would continue his postdoctoral studies at the University of Alberta and assume a long and dedicated career as professor and researcher with the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at the College of William and Mary.
Gene would spend over 30 years with VIMS, splitting his time between teaching graduate courses and conducting cutting-edge research on Virginia’s tidal coasts. President of the International Society of Wetland Scientists, Gene was a pioneer in every sense of the word. He, along with his team, provided the scientific community with some of the very first inventories of Virginia’s many wetlands, creating paper maps and detailed studies on many areas that were yet nebulous to man. This research would prove to be fundamental to the study of these marshlands and in keeping them as beautiful as he knew them to be. Gene saw endless wonder in these places and a desire to preserve them, a true love that he would pass along to countless students, colleagues, friends, and family. Upon his retirement in 2001, Gene was named Professor Emeritus in recognition of his distinguished service.
Outside of his storied career, Gene carried his love of the outdoors into his spare time. He loved time out on the water with family and friends. An avid fisherman, countless photos on the mantel show him proudly displaying one impressive catch after the next. At a very young age, even Gene’s grandchildren loved to fish off the pier and check crab pots with him. When not on the water, he loved to ride his bicycle across many trails throughout the country alongside his wife and friends. Gene was extremely knowledgeable about his bike and loved to talk shop whenever possible. While on the trail, he would often look around and note the various species of plants that surrounded those riding beside him. Finally, one cannot talk about Gene without mentioning his deep love for Jensen Beach, Florida, and the Keys, where he and Sue would travel every winter for an extended stay of biking, boating, and eating delicious food (perhaps his other greatest love).
Words cannot fully express our gratitude for the care and compassion that Hospice showed to our family and to Gene. The kindness, respect and gentleness helped us through one of the most difficult moments of our lives, and we will never forget the comfort provided. The family would especially like to thank Tiffany, Gene’s nurse while at home, and Heidi and her incredible staff at the Hospice House of Williamsburg.
A private memorial for immediate family will be held at the family home in Williamsburg, Va. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospice House of Williamsburg, 4445 Powhatan Parkway, Williamsburg, Va. 23188; or to the Silberhorn Fund—VIMS Foundation, P.O. Box 1346, Gloucester Point, Va. 23062.
“I believe a leaf of grass is no less than the journey-work of the stars.” -Walt Whitman