FRANK SOLNIK

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FRANK SOLNIK 1919 - 2006 Peacefully, after a long struggle with pulmonary fibrosis and heart disease, we have lost our loving father and grandfather on August 10, 2006 at the Grace Hospital, with his family by his side. Dad was born in Winnipeg July 4, 1919 and spent his childhood in Emesville, Stonewall and the surrounding areas. Dad worked in construction for most of his working days until he was injured. After that he became a Maintenance Engineer at various companies including the Courts of St. James where he was employed for 18 years until his retirement in 1987. Then he became a beekeeper for many years. Dad was also an inventor (his motor was almost complete), a storyteller, enjoyed playing cards and having coffee with the boys. He was an active member of Crestview Fellowship for over 30 years. Dad helped with building the original church and was particularly proud of the end result. Dad was also responsible for producing the church bulletin for many years. Dad enjoyed viewing a variety of sports with family, namely attending Goldeye Baseball games with Steve and watching NFL and CFL football with Shirley, Steve, and the girls. Dad shared his love for NHL and junior hockey with Sharon and Brian. His teams were the St. James Canadians, Selkirk Steelers, Winkler, Portage, South Blues, and last but not least, his OCN. Dad could tell you who won the cup from way back to the present. Dad's other hobbies include making bird houses, miniature furniture from clothes pins, baskets from popsicle sticks, playing the guitar, painting on canvass, yodeling along with Wilf Carter, putting together puzzles with Hettie, fixing the couch , watching wrestling, cartoons (especially Bugs Bunny and Popeye) and spending time with his granddaughters whether it was carving pumpkins, shelling out candy at Halloween or challenging them with his mind puzzles. Dad also looked forward to receiving the Saturday paper so he could read the comics. Dad met Mom by accident in 1953 and they were married in 1954. Dad and Mom had a good marriage that lasted for 44 years until Mom's passing in 1998. They enjoyed family outings, traveling and just being together. Dad was fortunate enough to have met his very special friend Hettie in 2001, who he shared a special relationship with until the end. Dad was a great father and a good friend who was a kind, gentle and a very private man. Mourning dad's passing are his daughters, Sharon Miller (Brian) and Shirley Maxwell-Dickson (Steve); granddaughters, Brenae and Raisal Maxwell. Also missing him dearly are his dear and devoted friend Hettie, who was dad's constant companion right until the end and her family (dad considered them as family). Also mourning his passing is our mom's family and dad's many friends. Predeceased by his loving wife Mary; his son-in-law Greg Maxwell; his father and mother, Alexander and Anna; his brother's John, Joe, Tony, Ed, Mike; his sisters Evelyn and Sally; and numerous other relatives. Funeral services will be held at Klassen's Funeral Chapel, 1897 Henderson Highway on Wednesday August 16 at 11 a.m. with viewing prior to the service. Interment to follow in Brookside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Crestview Fellowship Church or to a charity of your choice. Many thanks to the staff at Grace General Hospital. I miss your Saturday phone calls already. We will miss you and love you forever, dad. Until we meet again in heaven. Love You. Arrangements in care of: KLASSEN FUNERAL HOME 1897 Henderson - North of McIvor - 338-0331

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 14, 2006