EMIL SOLYPA

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EMIL SOLYPA Peacefully, on Wednesday, November 23, 2016, with his family by his side, Emil Solypa, aged 89 years, passed away at the Convalescent Home of Winnipeg. Emil leaves to mourn his passing his children Conrad (Bev), Linda, Brent; and their mother Alice Solypa; grandchildren Natasha, Kimberley, Timmy, and Conrad Jr.; great-granddaughter Jayda; siblings William (Bernice), Wanda, Joseph (Shirley), and Michael (Adele), and Elizabeth, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends; sister-in-law Marcella Melnyk, and his long-time close friend Irene Ell. Emil was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Millie; sister Anne Johanson; niece Cheryl Johanson; nephew Henry Pike and brother-in-law Walter Turchyn. Emil was born in the Ukraine on June 5, 1927. His family immigrated to Canada in 1929; eventually settling on a farm near Fraserwood, Manitoba. At a very young age Emil had to get a job in Gimli and had to ride a bike six miles each way all winter to help support the family. In 1954, Emil met Alice Melnyk and they were married in 1956. Emil and Alice started their own business in 1956, Twin-Industry Sales & Service Ltd., which is in its 60th year of business. Emil's company was said to be the first of its kind in Western Canada; selling and serving equipment and supplies to the dry cleaning, laundry, clothing manufacturers, hospitals, hotels, and institutions. Emil was a "true pioneer" with metal. He was able to engineer and design anything out of metal. His mechanical skills were second to none and recognized by his peers; often getting calls from as far away as Alberta and British Columbia on how to repair something or solve a problem. Emil later started Marion Cleaners which is in its 25th year of business. Emil was very successful in both businesses. Dad truly loved his work. He loved his businesses and cared deeply for his employees. Emil was very proud to become a Mason and Shriner in the early 1980's; serving as president and secretary of his Shrine unit "The Rough Riders" for many years. Over the years, Dad also enjoyed dancing to the bands at the legions; especially "Yogi". He also loved watching and going to wrestling matches. He will be deeply missed by all that knew him. The family would like to thank the staff on the second floor of the Convalescent Home of Winnipeg, especially Justin and Evelyn, for their kindness. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 3, 2016, at Glen Eden Funeral Home, 4477 Main Street, West St. Paul, MB. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shriners Hospital. "Vichnaya Pam'Yat" Glen Eden Funeral Home & Cemetery 204-338-7111

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 26, 2016