Mr. Joseph Soldan, aged 94, passed away on June 8, 2017 in Thunder Bay. He was born in Hnizdychiw, Western Ukraine, the youngest son in a family of 6 children. On August 30, 1947 he married Anna Halushchak in Mittenwald, Germany and they immigrated to Canada shortly afterwards. They made the Westfort neighbourhood their home for the past 69 years.
Joe was employed as a grain handler for over 30 years, retiring from Saskatchewan Wheat Pool in 1987. Still active after retirement, he was an elder at the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Ascension and led the team making pyrohy in the Star Hall kitchen. Joe had a passion for gardening, always nurturing his plot for an abundant annual yield. He also enjoyed picking mushrooms and blueberries and making homemade wine. His main objective in life was to provide for his family. He was a member of the Westfort Prosvita, where he could be found beating most at a good game of cribbage.
Joe is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Anna, his two children Ronald John (Cindy) and Susan Anna, his two granddaughters, Sophie (Caleb Boulet) and Sera and two great-grandchildren, Jacob and Annabelle Boulet. He was predeceased by all of his family in Ukraine.
For Joe, his granddaughters were the light of his life. “Gigi” never tired of taking them both for long walks when they were young, and encouraging them in their endeavours as they grew older. His kind and gentle spirit endeared him to them and to anyone he met.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 12, 2017 when family and friends will gather for Liturgy in the Ukrainian Catholic Church of The Holy Cross at 10:00 am celebrated by Rev. Stepan Didur. Interment will follow at a later time privately for the family. Visitation for friends will be held on Sunday, June 11 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm in the Blake Funeral Chapel with Panachyda to be offered at 4:00 pm. If friends desire, memorials to the Alzheimers Society or the charity of your choice would be appreciated.
Vichnaya Pamyat! Eternal Memory!
