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FRITZ (FREDDY) SOLOMON
Date of Passing: May 31, 2023
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryFRITZ (FREDDY) SOLOMON
Our beloved dad and zaida passed away peacefully on May 31, 2023 at the age of 92. Fritz will be deeply missed by his children Leora and Ruth (Perry) and his grandchildren Madison, Elliot and Ari. He is survived by his sister-in-law Rica Solomon and his sister and brother-in-law Miri and Moti Rotem. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Malca, brother Ricky Solomon and son-in-law Kerry Pearlman.
Born in Romania, Fritz immigrated to Israel as a young man where he served in the Israeli army. He then met and married the love of his life, his beautiful Malca and together they immigrated to Canada to begin a new life. They purchased a small restaurant business in Winnipeg's north end and alongside his parents, Rosa and Moishe, the foursome worked tirelessly to build Simon's Deli. Fritz, or as he was better known, Freddy, became the face of Simon's for 40 years. Despite the long hours and hard work, Fritz loved every minute he spent behind the counter slicing up corned beef or toiling in the kitchen preparing the many Jewish delicacies Simon's was famous for. He loved the banter with his customers and he took great pride in serving up some of the best ethnic food the city had to offer. Simon's became a beloved institution with a loyal following many of whom came from far and wide to enjoy its traditional homemade food, its old school atmosphere and its colourful proprietor.
When Fritz could be convinced to take time away from Simon's he enjoyed spending time in Hawaii and visiting family in Israel. Some of our family's most cherished memories are of vacations spent together on the beach in Waikiki. Mom and Dad were in their element there and Dad loved his daily ocean swims, his weekly gig at the farmer's market and cooking up a storm for anyone who visited. While food was certainly a passion for Fritz, the driving force of his life was his love for family and his desire to provide for them. He was such a devoted, caring and generous father. He also loved each of his grandchildren fiercely and cherished spending time with them. Nothing gave him greater pleasure than preparing their favourite dishes and they were such a source of "naches" for him. Perhaps his greatest joy was seeing his family gathered around a table enjoying a meal together.
Our family is so grateful to the special caregivers who enabled 'Mr. Fred' to live his best life in his home, as was his wish. You all held a special place in Dad's heart and will always be in ours.
When we think of Dad, we just smile. He was a character like no other. He was everything good, kind, and selfless. He made us laugh and we were so fortunate to have him in our lives and as a father and zaida. He leaves a legacy of special memories which we will cherish and valuable life lessons.
If desired, donations may be made to Harvest Manitoba or a charity of one's choice.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 08, 2023
Condolences & Memories (2 entries)
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I loved working at Simon's. I've worked at other local restaurants in the neighborhoods I've lived but only went back to visit Fritz n his wife n dad. Don't remember their names but what a pleasure. When I told Fritz I grow chickens he wanted eggs from me. Don't recall how many he bought but he always enjoyed them. Then 1 day again I went to visit n he was their but it was a mess. Fritz told me he'd come home from a holiday n the roof had collapsed. I bought his butcher block, it's in my ktch which I've made a peninsula with. Love it. Cut many things on it. I also have the giant colander from his restaurant n I don't know how much else but they all give me great memories of those lovely sweet folks. It's been many years I've raised 3 sons n had my 6th grandbaby 2 n 1/2 months ago 5th granddaughter, oldest will be 20 next month but who can forget Fritz every time I use my butcher block I remember him n all the nixes are reminders. - Posted by: Eva (Employee) on: Aug 10, 2025
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We send our deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved father and Zaida Fritz (Freddy) (Z"L). Both your parents and grand-parents, of blessed memories, were wonderful, hard-working and interesting people. MY LATE FATHER-IN-LAW, ALSO BORN IN ROMANIA, ALWAYS LOVED WHEN WE CAME TOGETHER FOR DELICIOUS MEALS AT 'SIMON'S", AS WE FELT LIKE EXTENDED FAMILY. May all their memories be for a BLESSING! WARMEST REGARDS TO ALL YOUR 'Solomon" family from all my Weinstein family. - Posted by: esther WEINSTEIN (family friend) on: Jul 08, 2023