Alan Thomas Soltys

Alan was born April 17, 1948, an event much celebrated by Thomas and Anne Soltys (Oleniuk). Being the youngest child and the only son, Alan was much-loved by his sisters, Jean, Ruth and Inez and was instilled with an appreciation of the good things in life.

Alan attended Erickson Elementary School and Erickson Collegiate, keenly interested in sports and drama. He enjoyed time with his friends, playing football, baseball and hockey. He relayed many stories of his high school and university football comradery and the numerous hockey teams he played on. These were all experiences of which he was very proud.

Following high school, Alan ventured to B.C. for employment, but the call of the prairies brought him back home. He started work at Erickson Co-op in 1970, choosing to make Erickson his permanent home.

Alan and Valerie (Larson) were married October 14, 1972. In 1978, their son Clayton was born. In 1979, the family purchased the Marshall Wells Hardware Store, which Alan operated until 1987. Alan returned to the Co-op and working there until his retirement in 2007. Alan enjoyed coaching hockey and was a member of Erickson Legion, Erickson Flying Club, and Erickson Antiques Hockey Club.

Cruising the streets of Erickson in the shiny car of the day was a passion. Never having a stereo on, he preferred the rumble of the exhaust and the sound of the engine. He loved British sports cars and tiny two-seaters, even making Clayton ride behind the seat of the TR6 as a toddler. He never lost the desire to drive fast and have fun.

In retirement, Alan enjoyed travel and beach vacations. He often mentioned he felt fortunate to have those experiences, something he did not take for granted. Alan was able to spend time with his grandsons and he thought the world of them. Seeing his love of hockey passed on to his son and grandsons made him proud.

Alan was predeceased by his parents, his sisters Jean Shellborn, Inez Gray and brother-in-law Robert Shellborn. He is survived by his sister Ruth, her husband Vern English and his brother-in-law Tom Gray, and numerous nieces and nephews. Saddened by his passing are his son Clayton and Kathy Soltys, his grandsons, Parker and Cooper and his spouse Valerie.

The family wishes to thank the numerous kind caregivers Alan has had over the last few years.