Walter Sohlman

The family announces the peaceful but unexpected passing of Walter Edwin Sohlman in the early morning hours of Friday, July 7th, 2017, in TBRHSC after a brief stay in hospital. Dad spent five courageous years without his beloved wife Irene by his side, whom he missed so very much.

He leaves behind his heartbroken family; son Wayne (Margit); daughter Lori Perger; grandchildren Michael (Crystal) Sohlman, Kristen (Aaron Blazina), Christopher (Carolynne) Perger and Andrew (Connie) Perger; his great grandchildren Hailey and Gavin Sohlman and Seija Blazina.

He is also survived by his devoted sister Sylvia Boyd; sister Bertha Dark; sisters and brothers-in-law Betty (Peter) Ilkew, Vivian (George) Tanner and Millie Allen. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Predeceased by his beloved wife Irene; parents Antti and Linnea; his son Edwin and daughter-in-law Debbie; son-in-law Rob Perger as well as brother Tauno; brothers and sisters-in-law: William Boyd; Mary Sohlman and Raymond Dark; mother and father-in-law Joseph and Beatrice Allen; brothers and sisters in-law: LaVern and Bernice Allen, Hans and Florence Olsen and Andre Allen.

Walter was the third of four children to parents Antti and Linnea. He grew up with two sisters, Sylvia and Bertha and younger brother Tauno.He would always tell stories about his childhood and vividly recalled places, dates and people he grew up with from days long long ago.

His working life began in the Rail yard and and for many years he worked in the Bush Camps, but his life long career was as a Carpenter and Superintendent ending with approximately 10 years as a Business Agent for Carpenters Local 1669, serving the membership to his best capabilities, protecting their work jurisdiction and bargaining for their wage rates of pay.

Dad and Mom were married in 1950 and were devoted to each other for over 62 years prior to her unexpected passing in June of 2012. He never really recovered emotionally from losing our Mom and often stated that..... Life is not Life without a Wife!! We take comfort that they are now together again forever in eternity.

Our Dad was a very generous man who always took pride in providing for his family and also great pride in all his grandchildren's many accomplishments in life. He especially was so tickled to be a great-grandfather and was looking forward to welcoming a new great grandchild this November. He was a great story teller too, who would vividly describe a tale that the listener could literally imagine in their own mind. He was able to remember the names of everyone that he ever worked with or knew throughout his long and accomplished life.

Dad enjoyed a boisterous life with many family and friends entertaining over the years, until sadly one-by-one those family and friends dwindled away. The last few years Dad took pleasure in the simpler things in life: reading a good book or sitting outside enjoying the yard and gardens or listening to the birds. Of course he would jump at the chance to get in the car and go for a quick coffee and honey dip donut with anyone willing to go.

He continued to live independently in the family home that he built over 65 years ago. With help he continued to enjoy a vegetable garden, flower gardens and a manicured yard each year. But by far his favourite place in the world to be, was at "The Farm" which is the original Sohlman Family Homestead in Murillo.

The Homestead was not only a place of family history for Dad, but a place of recreation where gardening, cutting wood and providing for his family was his activity on weekends. For many summers throughout their younger years, Dad and Mom would invite as many friends and family that could attend the yearly no-holds barred wild weekend - where the sauna was hot and the food and drink plentiful!

As his Father Antti handed down the Homestead to his son Walter, so did Walter hand it down to his son Wayne. Some day Wayne's son Michael will inherit the Homestead and all of its history, to then pass it down to his son Gavin. Each generation holds something dear to their hearts....to us that is the Sohlman Family history. Your roots define who you are!

Both Dad and Mom were life long Volunteers at the Oliver Road Community Centre for over 50+ years, and all of their major family birthdays, special anniversaries and of course their final Celebrations of Life have taken place on these grounds.

A Celebration of Life honouring Walter Edwin Sohlman will be held at the Oliver Road Community Centre on Thursday July 13, 2017 from 1:00pm until 3:00pm. All those wishing to come share stories and memories of our Dad and Grandpa are asked to join us as we say goodbye. A private interment will take place in St. Andrew's Cemetery. If friends so desire, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James.