Donald Joseph Arthur Solomon

Donald (Don) Solomon of Deroche, BC passed away in Abbotsford Hospital surrounded by family after a short but fierce battle with cancer. In his days leading up to treatment, and while he remained in Abbotsford Hospital, many close family members and friends came to visit and support Don, to share music and stories, and to celebrate his life. One of Don’s greatest joys was to hear his children David, Elisa, and Gabriel play their violins, and over several evenings while he was in hospital, they performed for him.

Don was born in Collins Inlet (near Killarney), Ontario on the Georgian Bay. Anishinaabe (Ojibway), Don was a member of Henvey Inlet First Nation. He was the eldest of 10 children, born to parents Art and Eva Solomon (nee Pelletier), who both passed away in 1997. A millwright, welder and pipe fitter by trade, Don had the mechanical skill set and the creativity to fix just about anything. Reliable and resourceful, he worked hard all his life to support his family and never missed an opportunity to help and encourage those he loved. Beyond his incredible work ethic and devotion to his family, Don never stopped trying to learn new things.

Throughout his life, Don was an avid reader and he widely read a variety of subjects, from history to current events, to philosophy, science, biographies and metaphysical writings. He was always eager to share books with family and friends. Other pastimes included travelling, winemaking, hunting trips and going to hot springs whenever possible. Don also loved animals, particularly cats, and had a special bond with his flame point Siamese cat, Gus. A humble, quiet man and deep thinker, Don was nevertheless gregarious with those with whom he was comfortable, and he enjoyed great laughs and conversation, especially when he was back in Killarney with his family.

Don leaves behind his wife of 51 years, Sue. He also leaves his children Julie Turner (Paul McCavour), David Solomon (Tiana Dunham), Elisa Solomon (Rob Werner), Gabriel Solomon (Leah), and stepdaughters Rebecca Austin (Randy Chencharik) and Anita Dubrule (Yvon); and grandchildren Kathryn, Alexandra, and Anastasia Solomon, Mackenzie Dunham, Adrian and Bryn Solomon, Gavyn Gilhooly, Evan Gilhooly (Nargiza Khalilova), Michelle and Daniel (Ashley) Dubrule; and great-grandchildren Devon and Brooklynn. Also left to mourn his passing are brothers Ray (Annette Lavoie), Eugene (Maureen), Tony, and Art (Heather), and sisters Priscilla, Evelyn, Anne, Teri and Genevieve, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Don’s first-born daughter, Julie, was adopted out as an infant and was reunited with Don in 2002 through the adoption reunion registry of BC. Don had never given up hope of being reunited, and it was a great source of healing and comfort to them both to have shared the past 17 years.

The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Abbotsford Hospital for Don’s excellent and compassionate care in his last weeks. Thanks also to Coast Salish Elder Francis Horne for dad’s brushing off ceremony at Abbotsford Hospital. In lieu of a memorial, a sacred fire ceremony was held at his home in Deroche, BC.