Melvin John Solman

Melvin John Solman passed peacefully and with a smile on his face in his 96th year, December 19th, 2022.  He was predeceased by his sweetheart Barbara, and they enjoyed 75 years of marriage together.  Mel was the proud father of Harley (Brenda) Armand (Noreen) Kathryn (Manny) and Monica.  His many grandchildren brought him great joy: Sonya, Sondra, Sue (Greg), Dan (Melissa) Brad (Sue), Paul (Jen), Jeff (Angie), Ryan (Nicole), Zach (Perry) and Lindsay (Phil). Mel talked often of how blessed he was with his large and loving family.  Among them are his beloved great grandchildren, Paige (Nick), Chris (Tuesday), Mackenzie, Carson, Isaac, Jordan, Bella, Brody, Jase, Ava, Noella, Brennan, Keira, Hailey, and wee Rhiannon. Great-great-grandfather to little Mason.  Mel's greatest sorrows were the passing of his daughter Monica in 2001, his wife Barb in 2021, and his beloved grandson Ryan in 2022.

 Mel lived a full life and enjoyed a close circle of friends, many of whom have predeceased him.  He and Barb enjoyed square dancing, playing cards, hosting dinners, and traveling in their younger years. Mel was employed by the District of Muskoka for many years but enjoyed his retirement living in the house in Huntsville that he and Barbara built together.  The final year and a half of his life was spent in the home of his son and daughter-in-law, Armand, and Noreen, where he was pampered and catered to with love and devotion.  Mel never wanted to live in a nursing home but spent the last 6 weeks of his life at Huntsville Hospice where he was treated as a member of the family.  It took him around 2 days to settle right in and thereafter the rascally old fella enjoyed bragging to his family about how much he was enjoying himself.  He was a chatterbox until the end and without exception, the wonderful staff sat and listened to him tell the many stories of his life.

 Mel has been cremated as per his wishes, and a celebration of life will be held in the spring, details will be available via www.mitchellfuneralhome.ca. 

 The family kindly asks that In Memorial donations be made to Huntsville Hospice who provide such an invaluable service to the community.