Obituary of Donald Eugene Solomon

SOLOMON: Donald Eugene Solomon of Portage la Prairie, formerly of Brandon, passed away peacefully at the Portage District Hospital on Monday, June 8, 2015 at the age of 70 years. Don was born June 12, 1944 in Oakland, Manitoba and he attended school in Portage and Oakville. During the summer holidays, he bailed hay, picked cucumbers at Peters' farm and worked at Smith Motors taking stock and doing miscellaneous jobs. In 1946, he started to work in the insurance industry at the head office of the Portage Mutual Insurance Company. Don moved to Winnipeg and worked for Dale and Company Brokers, Guardian Union Insurance Company, Portage Mutual Branch Office in Winnipeg, and then back to the Portage Mutual Head Office in Portage. Don joined M.P.I.C. in Brandon on October 14, 1975 and retired October 17, 2003. He was a member of the Brandon A.N.A.F. since 1978. Before becoming disabled, he enjoyed golfing, curling and playing in dart and shuffleboard leagues. Don is survived by his long-time friend Marion Cook and two sons, David (Tina) Solomon of Cochrane, AB and Kevin Solomon of Brandon. Also surviving are his grandchildren: Gabe, Amelia, Amber, Kendra, Erik and Brandi Porteous; brother Jack (Joan) Solomon, two sisters and brother-in-law George Tomalin, all of Portage; and by 12 nieces and nephews and their families. Don was predeceased by his parents John and Victoria Solomon, sister June Tomalin, brother and sister-in-law Ed (Gwen) Solomon and brothers-in-law Mike Lewadniuk and Garnet Love. A Memorial Service will be held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel, 332-8th Street, Brandon, on Monday, June 15, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at the Brandon Cemetery. Donations in memory of Donald may be made to The Salvation Army, 9 Princess Avenue East, Brandon, MB, R7A 1R8. I Am Not There Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow, I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle Autumn's rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush, I am the swift uplifting rush, Of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there. I did not die. - Robert Hepburn