Obituary of Melvin William Soltys

Mel was born to parents Julia and Basil on their homestead in Hines Creek on August 20th, 1940. As a child, he moved to Edson, AB where he took all his schooling, graduating from Edson High School in 1958. He was an active participant in sports and school activities where he made many lifelong friends. Mel married his high school sweetheart Liz in 1962. For several years they lived in Edmonton starting their careers before moving back to Edson, where Mel continued his life-long insurance career becoming a partner with his father-in-law in Pattinson and Soltys Insurance, then a partner in INSCO, before opening his own insurance agency Soltys Insurance.

For his many years of volunteer work in the community, Mel was honoured as a Life Member of the Edson Kinsmen Club, and as Edson Citizen of the Year. Heading the fundraising to build the Seniors Pioneer Cabin was another project dear to his heart. Re-enacting the pioneer journey from Edson to Grande Prairie by horseback was a memorable adventure that Mel, "Sagebrush Soltys", always treasured!

After retiring in 1999, Mel and Liz spent many years enjoying their motorhome travels and their years in Bucerias, Mexico where they made such special friends. Even after Mel’s stroke in 2009, he was able to spend time in Mexico in the winter and his cabin on the McLeod River in the summer- his happy places!

But family was the most important part of Mel’s life! His children Melinda-Rae (Colin), Gregory, and Raeleen (Jason) knew him as a kind and loving father, and in their adult lives as a role model - a man of incredible integrity and character. His grandchildren Mya and Ty, Jenna and Justin, Brianna and Samantha knew their Grampy/Poppi as a kind, gentle and sweet man who loved playing cards, doing puzzles, going quad riding at the cabin and the one who always had "projects" for everyone and himself in the bush, shed or woodpile!! He loved them dearly, and has left them with so many endearing memories and stories to tell!

Mel also leaves his sister Lydia Johnston and many nieces and nephews, as well as his brother-in-law George and sister-in-law Margaret with forever memories, and so many special friends who have touched his life and spirit as he has touched them!

Health failed Mel many times in his lifetime, but he always fought back with incredible determination, hard work, amazing attitude, and with positive results. But sadly, his last battle could not be won, and he passed at home in Calgary on May 5th, 2020, finally at peace.

A life well lived. A man loved and respected by so many!

A Celebration of Life for Mel will be held in Edson hopefully later in the summer. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Mel’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. In lieu of flowers, if you wish to make a donation in Mel’s memory, the family asks you to consider the Edson Senior Pioneer Cabin, 836-7th avenue, Edson AB T7E 1K8 or Tom Baker Cancer Centre 1331-29 street, NW,Calgary, AB T2N 4N2.

In living memory of Melvin Soltys, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.