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WILLIAM (BILL) SOLOMON
Born: Feb 11, 1930
Date of Passing: Oct 30, 2021
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WILLIAM (BILL) SOLOMON
February 11, 1930 - October 30, 2021
An only child, Bill was predeceased by his parents, Mary (nee Moroz) and Metro Solomon; beloved wife of 41 years, Catherine (Kay) Solomon (nee Torsky); and brothers and sisters-in-law, Walter and Eleanor Grywinski; and Bill and Irene Zakala.
He leaves to mourn his significant companion of his latter years, Bernice Rzasa; two sons: Stephen (Beverly), granddaughter Quinn, and grandsons, Silas and Nathanael; Taras (Terry), granddaughter Kayla and grandson Jacob and their mother Larissa; sister and brother-in-law Olga and George Bonnefoy; nieces, Patricia Denman, Donna Allen and Lenore Johnstone; nephews, Robert Bonnefoy and Danny Grywinski; their families, and numerous younger cousins.
Bill was born in Ethelbert, MB and moved frequently with his parents in the surrounding area during those tough economic times, but calling Gilbert Plains "home". It was there that, along with other rural activities like hunting, fishing and sports of all kinds, "Billy" embraced the rich, exuberant Canadian Ukrainian culture of his pioneering forebears. He was constantly by his mom and uncles' sides as they provided the traditional music for all the weddings in the area. Comfortable with any instrument, he focused on piano and excelled as a boy soprano in the Manitoba Music Festival. In 1947 he followed his ethnic passion to St. Andrews College in Winnipeg where he engaged in, and instructed youth from the North End church communities in Ukrainian dance and song. It was there that he established lifelong friendships with vibrant, like minded classmates emerging from their rural pioneer homes to become pillars of not just the Ukrainian Canadian scene but who went on to serve at all levels of Canadian life in areas of Justice, the Arts and Medicine to name a few.
In 1954 he married Kay and together they opened their home on Larchdale Crescent and later their cottage at Eleanor Lake, to family, friends and neighbours with the warm hospitality. Bill's motto in his college yearbook was, "I'm not going to talk about what I'm going to do but I'm going to do it!" and from home to community he was a gifted and respected leader. Besides working two jobs as a City of Winnipeg Health Inspector and partnering with his father at S & S Equipment Rentals and Construction. Then he was a two term president of Bronx Park Community Club and the longest standing member at Pine Ridge Golf Club upon his death (70 years!). He won numerous sports and community awards and recognitions including the "Confederation of Canada Medal" for significant contribution to compatriots and community.
That being said, apart from family, his lasting legacy will no doubt be his contributions to Ukrainian Choral music. At age 19 he came under the tutelage of Walter Bohonos as a member and later assistant conductor of the Ukrainian Male Chorus and repeated in like manner his association with Walter Klymkiw and the O Koshetz Choir and the Holy Trinity Cathedral Choir. He had a beautiful baritone voice highlighted in "the Continentals" quartet with Nestor Bohonos, Ted Perich and Taras Boyaniwsky who were perennial favourites at many early Dauphin Festival celebrations.
In 1985 Bill took on the mantle of conductor of the Hoosli Ukrainian Male Chorus while concurrently mentoring theologues at St. Andrews College in liturgical music from 1991 to 1995. Under William's endearing leadership and his interpretation of Walter Bohonos's music, Hoosli gained national and international acclaim for their distinctive, powerful four-part male chorus sound and were favourites at Winnipeg Jets games for their version of O Canada! Candidly, William was embarrassed that he had no formal music training! He finally retired from Hoosli at age 84, still young enough to enjoy Bernice's companionship and his grandkids.
Thanks to the staff at Winnipeg HSC and Riverview Health Centre and Dr. Terry Babick for their medical care for Dad and to all the well-wishers.
Donations can be made in William's name at your preferred charity or to the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, 1175 Main St., Winnipeg, MB R2W 3S4.
Prayers will be sung at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 4 at the Cathedral followed by a reception in the auditorium. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 5 also at the Cathedral followed by interment at Glen Eden Cemetery. All functions including interment at Glen Eden Cemetery require proof of double vaccination and masks. Live stream at:
https://www.facebook.com/HTUOMC and https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGv7lDwNkRlt7t7SB4VOlyQ/featured
Vichnaya Pamyat, Memory Eternal!
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 03, 2021
Condolences & Memories (9 entries)
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Dear Steve, Terry and families. We are so saddened at learning of Dad passing away. When we lived in Winnipeg, we spent many days after work on Henry avenue, with other friends, singing and much laughter. Rest in peace Bill, Kay and so many family, and friends will welcome you to your final resting place. May all the good times be remembered. Yechnaya Phamnet - Posted by: Harvey, Marlene, Michael, and Stacia Myk (second cousin) on: Nov 05, 2021
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Terry and Steve and families. I am sorry to know of your dear dad's passing. He was so talented and so giving of his time and all for good. I love that type of person your dad was that "get's things done!" So sad he is gone. He has left you with many proud and memorable accomplishments to continue to embrace. Terry I knew you grew up in a good family because you were such a nice boychick. My condolences. Jill Palmer (McWhinney) - Posted by: Jill Palmer nee McWhinney (School friend and track and field team mate of Terry) on: Nov 05, 2021
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We wish to extend our sincere condolences to all the family and friends of Bill Solomon. He will be surely missed by the fellow members of Sons Of Ukrainian Pioneers. - Posted by: Walter Antoniw (Fellow Member of the Club) on: Nov 04, 2021
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My dad was a former member of Hoosli. Growing up I got to be a part of, and see a lot of Hoosli concerts and events with Bill as the conductor. My husband has been a Hoosli member for over 15 years so I got see, and be a part of Bills love for this choir. Prayers to all his family and friends. My condolences. - Posted by: Leah Burdeniuk (friend) on: Nov 04, 2021
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Our condolences to our good friend Bernice and to Bill's entire family. We had the good fortune of meeting Bill through Bernice quite a few years ago. He was always talkative and jolly. His height was great for pulling down and holding the Saskatoon branches while we picked. We will also miss his good nature and his jokes. According to his obituary, he lived a long and meaningful life. He will surely be missed by many, especially his sons and grandchildren, as well as his companion Bernice. With deepest sympathy, Jocelyne & Eddy Jaremwoich - Posted by: Jocelyne & Eddy Jaremowich (friends) on: Nov 04, 2021
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To the Solomon Family,. We were so sorry to learn of Bill’s passing. We send our heartfelt sympathies for your loss and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this very sad time. May you draw strength and comfort from your loving memories of Bill. May he Rest In Peace and may his memory be eternal. Vichnaya Pam’yat. Wally & Joan Tostowaryk - Posted by: Wally and Joan Tostowaryk (Friend ) on: Nov 04, 2021
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To Steve and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time ....Ernie and Loti Riedle - Posted by: Ernie riedle (Friend) on: Nov 04, 2021
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My sympathies to Steve and the rest of the Solomon family. I only knew William as "Steve's Dad" and "Mr. Solomon" as a kid going to Steve's house on Larchdale. But Mr. Solomon was always such a kind and stand-up guy, and it was very interesting reading the obituary about his many endeavors and accomplishments. Pretty cool that he conducted Hoosli. One thing I do remember is he used to rib Steve quite a bit about the Montreal Canadiens, who were Steve's team back then. He'd pick us up from Bronx after hockey. My sincere condolences. - Posted by: Bill Redekop (Friend of Steve's) on: Nov 03, 2021
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To all the family and friends of Bill Solomon, my heartfelt sympathies and condolences. I will always remember Bill as a person who loved life to the fullest and forever grateful when Bill sang at our wedding. Bill will be surely missed and will always be in my heart and prayers. Please take care at this difficult time. - Posted by: Sandra Solomon (Family) on: Nov 03, 2021
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