Neil passed away peacefully with his wife Terri at his side on July 31st, 2021 in Vernon, British Columbia. Neil was 69.
Neil was born on March 29th, 1952 in Cape Town, South Africa. In 1962 the Solomon family moved to England for a short time before immigrating to Canada in 1965. In 1966 the family settled in Victoria, British Columbia.
Neil was predeceased by his father Douglas and his mother Georgina. He is survived by his loving wife Terri, his sons Ryan(Ann), Marc(Nicole), grandchildren Aidan, Ella, Kaelynne, sister Karen(Robert), nephew Austin, niece Paige, mother-in-law Vera, sister-in-law Linda(Dennis), niece’s Bryna(Patrick), Natasha(Patrick), Angeline, nephew Braden(Fiona), great nieces and nephews Zayn, Kaia, Amelia, Lennon, adopted family Michelle, Jazmin, Zoe, Andrew, family in Ontario, England, South Africa and close friends throughout B.C.
Neil will be remembered fondly for his work with numerous families and children that he helped in his career as a Child and Family Therapist in Victoria. Neil enjoyed teaching and travelled throughout British Columbia, instilling his knowledge, sense of humour and professional practices in those attending the workshops.
Neil participated in several sports: Cycling, kayaking and running. He was passionate about cycling: he lived and breathed cycling from the time he bought his first bicycle at 14, to his cycling in Vernon with friends who were interested in becoming healthy and fit. Neil was a long time member of the Sidney Velo Cycling Club in Victoria. As a member of the Sidney Velo Club, Neil competed in several events such as the Wenatchee Sunrise Centuries, Centuries in Spokane and he rode in the Seattle to Portland Bike Ride in 1992, 1993 and 1994; this is a ride of more than 200 miles. Neil also rode in the annual bike ride COBRA for a period of over 10 years. In 2018, he took part in the Penticton Axel Merckx Granfondo. Cycling in Cape Town, in the Argus Cycle Tour (2001), remained the highlight of Neil’s cycling life, especially as he had cousins cycling with and supporting him. Neil was also a member of the South Island Sea Kayaking Association (SISKA) from 2005 – 2007. Neil and Terri would kayak with the group each week, going on club paddles and taking kayak courses. Neil also organized Thursday night practices on Elk Lake one summer. Running became an interest for Neil as well and in 1994 he participated in the Royal Victoria Marathon.
Another great passion of Neil’s was flying. He dreamt from the time that he was a boy that he would earn his pilot’s license. When Neil did earn his pilot’s license, family and friends were lucky enough to have him fly you on an adventure.
We thank Neil’s many family and friends for reaching out across the province, country and ocean.
We thank the wonderful staff at the Vernon Hospice House for their patience, kindness and for supporting Neil and Terri and the rest of the Solomon family through such a difficult journey. We will remember all of you with fondness and gratitude.
Donations may be made to the Vernon Hospice House through the North Okanagan Hospice Society, 3506 27th Avenue, Vernon, B.C. V1T 1S4.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Neil Gerard Solomon July 31st 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Armstrong, Province: Colombie britanique