Jack Eugene Solomon passed away at the age of 91 years on October 11, 2024, at Riverview Health Centre, Winnipeg.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 67 years, Joan (nee Fitzsimmons); and his devoted daughter, Sally. He is also survived by sisters Sonia (Mike) Lewadniuk and Shirley (Garnet) Love, and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents John and Victoria (Koharski) Solomon; brothers Ed and Don; sister June Tomalin; parents-in-law Fred and Josie Fitzsimmons; sisters-in-law Donna Tomalin and Gwen Solomon; brothers-in-law Mike and Garnet.
Born in Brandon in 1933, Jack resided in Portage la Prairie since 1948. Because his father often moved with the CNR, his school years were spent at Duck River, Swan Lake, Brandon, Oakland, and then finally at Portage Collegiate where he graduated in 1951. Immediately out of high school, Jack knew that he wanted to work with cars. He started at Brown and Lowry, which later became Smith Motors then Prairie Ford. When that closed, he went to Tecza’s and on to Edmonson Motors. After retiring, he drove the Handivan for many years where he gave excellent and compassionate
service to the disabled and elderly. Jack was a born volunteer. As a teenager, he began service in his community at the Westend Community Club where he shoveled snow, made ice on the outdoor rink, stoked the wood furnace on early, freezing mornings before going to work, and did what was necessary to keep the rink operating for a multitude of boys and girls for 20 years.
Jack was a consistent Red Cross Blood Donor. He served on the Handivan Board and the Herman Prior Senior Centre Board. He also volunteered to drive for Service for Seniors, Central Plains Cancer Services, Lions Prairie Manor, and the Douglas Campbell Lodge. Always a hockey fan, he was thrilled with the new Winnipeg Jets team and sat glued to the TV for all the games while wearing his Jets jersey, Jets socks, and Jets cap. In his early years, Jack enjoyed playing hockey for the Westend Intermediates at the outdoor rink later in the night which resulted in the loss of most of his back teeth (the games could get a little rough).
Jack loved old Ford cars and spent many hours restoring them. He was the proud owner of a 1951 Ford Sedan and the “Jacks51” vanity plate he received one Father’s Day. Many family trips were enjoyed in the ‘51, especially down south and to Athabasca. He was also an avid ten pin bowler. Another of his great passions was stock car racing at the old Salt Plains Raceway near Gladstone. He found time for baseball with Sloanes Slow-pitch Liniment League. More recently, he enjoyed golfing at the Portage Golf Club where he was a member. Despite his busy life, Jack found quality time for Joan and Sally who treasured wonderful memories of family life.
Cremation has taken place. Private Memorial to be held at a later date.
Donations in Jack’s memory may be made to PAWS, 121 - 12 St NE, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 4A2 or a charity of choice.
“There is no Death! The leaves may fall
And flowers may fade and pass away.
They only wait, through wintry hours,
The warm, sweet breath of May.”
A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.
http://www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com. 204-857-4021