Florian John Soble

Born to parents John and Paulina Soble (nee Kocot) on June 16, 1935 at their farmstead home near Lintlaw, SK, joining his older brother Roman in the family.

Paulina and her older brother Ignace, brought every sibling over from Poland in the late 1920’s, along with her husband John, in 1929.

Early schooling was at Woodstone (one room) school and later, this would alternate with some school years in Winnipeg. Ultimately, Florian attended high school fully in Winnipeg, most happily at Daniel Mac. He was on their Maroon’s football team and also enjoyed participating in the school’s productions, such as Mikado. Dad loved to sing and, as a child of Polish parents, was strongly encouraged to learn and play an instrument. His violin career was derailed later by harmonica, wishful banjo dreams and most recently the ukulele.

Football was a big part of Florian’s life. He was part of the Canadian Junior Champion rugby team with the Winnipeg Rods in 1955, the team later being inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame. He still maintained friendships with his high school and sports friends, most notably his “old jocks lunch” each month.

Florian graduated from the University of Manitoba faculty of Pharmacy in 1959. He worked at several pharmacies in Winnipeg and in Red Lake, Ont. At Ebbeling pharmacy, he met his future father-in-law, Fred Lemon and later his future wife, Carol Lemon.

In August, 1960, Dad began the great Thompson adventure, opening the first pharmacy there. Florian and Carol married January 14th, 1961 and it became a family venture. Kids Suzanne and Kyle were born in Thompson. In such a new community, far from regular family, one builds strong bonds with friends. Potlucks at special occasions remain treasured memories for us all.

The ski hill, later Mystery Mountain was a big part of our weekends. Florian stuck mostly to Nordic skiing and snowshoes, while the rest of us were alpine ski people.

In 1986 Florian began contracted pharmacy services in the First Nation community of Norway House. Suzanne joined him first as a pharmacy student and later as a pharmacist. With Carol retiring from the City of Thompson administration, and becoming the manager of the pharmacy, it became another family endeavor. We all made lasting friendships both inside and outside of the clinic setting. Truly a special time in Florian’s life.

Florian and Carol spent 1998 – 2001 in Thompson, starting to embrace retired life. After 41 years up north, they relocated to East St. Paul, MB. It was nice that they could resume so many friendships, in person, from their pre-Thompson days as well as from life up north. Florian endured many challenges (starting with football knees) with good humour, if not always patience. He was an Olympic torch bearer in both 1988 and again in 2010.

There were plans for lots of travel, so no more canine friends. The travels were fun, (Arizona, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta; train trips, Victoria BC). Aside from loving nature, they got vicarious pet enjoyment from Suzanne’s various pets.

Following amputation of his right leg in June, 2025, Florian moved to Bright Water senior living where he had more assistance. Access was great for his mobility challenges and true to form, Dad made friends with many of his fellow residents and staff, who were wonderful. We visited a lot and could see the affection between Dad and caregivers.

Predeceased by parents John and Paulina, brother Teddy and infant sister, uncles Ignace, Stanley, John, Marian, Luciane, Parents-in-law Fred and Freda Lemon, brother-in-law Grant Lemon. Florian is survived by his loving wife of 65 years Carol, children Suzanne (Terry), and Kyle (Wanda). Also his brother Roman (Jackie) niece Clare, nephews Paul, Ted and Chris.

Florian passed away on August 1 at the Grace Hospital, with family present. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be planned for a future date. Dad loved stories and we will would enjoy hearing memories. In lieu of flowers, simply share a memory, kind words or loving act with those you care about.