SOLOY: Minnie Elizabeth Soloy, nee: Greenfield, formerly of North Battleford, SK, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2014 in White Rock, BC, where she had lived, thoroughly enjoying the past 8 years with her eldest daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and Don Kotylak. Minnie was born in Coolham, Sussex, England on June 14, 1923. When she was only 17, she joined the Royal Air Force, in the Womens' Air Corps where she served for 5 years as a driver. Minnie drove everything from a motorcycle to large transport vehicles, but mostly drove ambulance and chauffeured officers. During this time she and her friend used to visit wounded soldiers in the hospital, to help them write letters home. It was here that she met her soul mate and love of her life, Ludwick (Vic) Soloy. They were engaged on Valentines Day, and married on July 14, 1945 and enjoyed many long years of devoted love and happiness together. As a war bride, Minnie came to Canada on the HMS Aquitania, where she met and made a life-long friend, another war bride, Violet Morrow. It was a long trip via train to Regina, Sk., where Minnie and Vic were reunited and began their new life together. The two of them started Soloy Construction Ltd, which was a successful business for decades, and that work took them from their first home in Estevan, on to Rosetown, Meadow Lake, and finally North Battleford. Minnie was predeceased by her husband, Ludwick, her siblings in England, (Bertha, William and Doris), and her grandson, Darren Kotylak. Minnie was a loving and devotedly loyal wife and mother. She is survived by her three children, Brenda (Don) Kotylak, of White Rock, BC, Glenn (Sylvia) Soloy of Lloydminster, AB, and Wanda (Doug) Bell, of Fort McMurray, AB. Grandchildren Krista Kotylak, Tala Nickolet, Michael Soloy, Clayton Soloy, and Samuel Bell and Juliane Bell. As well, Minnie had 10 great-grandchildren, and former daughter-in-law, Ernestine Gladue, of whom she was very fond. Minnie was the epitome of love, kindness, graciousness and unselfishness. She had an open and kind heart and always was willing to give of herself to others, especially her family. Minnie had such a positive and upbeat attitude towards life and always believed that things would always work out for the best. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Dr. Prentice and the Peace Arch Hospital in White Rock, BC, for their gentle care of their precious mother, during her last days. We are also grateful for the many kind words and cards that we have received. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a hospital of your choice, animal rescue organization, or The Battlefords' Wildlife Federation, MADD, or any charity of your choice. ____________________________________________________
