Obituary of WILLIAM SOLOMON

William (Bill) Solomon

Feb 11, 1930 to Oct 30, 2021

After a short illness Bill passed away with his loved ones by his side at Winnipeg HSC after 91 spirited years. 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 brother and sister in laws 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) and granddaughter Quinn, and grandsons Silas and Nathanael ; Taras (Terry) and 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 ; and 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, likeminded class mates 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 neighbors 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. Bill worked 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 favorites 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 favorites at Winnipeg Jets games for their version of Oh 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 Center 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 pm on Thursday Nov 4 at the Cathedral followed by a reception in the auditorium. The funeral service will be held at 10am Friday Nov 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!