David John Soloway was born on February 2, 1942 in Ethelbert, Manitoba. He was the eldest of 5 children born to John and Caroline Soloway. He grew up on the family farm in Renwer, Manitoba. In 1962 he married Janice Steele. They had three children, Camy, David, and Donna. When the grandchildren started coming, dad would often joke he wanted enough for a ball team. With seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren we did him proud! Dave worked at various jobs, including working at a nickel mine, bull-dozing, welding and trucking. Dad enjoyed many things in his life, especially anything in the great outdoors. Hunting, fishing, flying his plane, camping, quads, snowmobiles, dirt bikes, motorcycles, he loved it all. Dad loved his Colt cigars, preferably with a cold beverage, western shirts, jeans, cowboy boots, a cap, a perfectly groomed moustache, and a splash of Aqua Velva(the blue one!) to round out his attire. He was seldom dressed any other way, in any season. Dad tried to make the best of everything life threw at him with a great sense of humor and a “don’t mess with me attitude”. This carried him through many health problems over the years. We admire the strength and courage he showed us and his zest for life. Hazel Patricia Pauline Kohnen was born on December 31, 1945 in Russell, Manitoba and raised in Langenburg, Saskatchewan. She was the only child of Martha and Phillip Kohnen and was doted on by both parents but especially her dad. Unfortunately Pat’s mother passed away when Pat was 16 and it left a void in her life until her passing. Even as an adult she always called her parents Mommy and Daddy, we know she still missed them. She may not have had siblings but she had more than her share of cousins! Family dinners and celebrations were often held at the Kohnen home with cousins everywhere! I think Pat was probably secretly a little happy when we all left! Pat held a number of jobs through the years from waitress, nanny, to dietician aide, jobs that she enjoyed and gathered friends along the way. Some of Pat’s friends were lifelong and if she considered you a friend you knew she had your back. In 2012, Pat’s world turned upside down when she lost Dave in July. Many of us hoped she would be able to get through this and eventually enjoy her retirement, but it was not to be. Now many of our hearts are sad and missing her, but we also know that Pat and Dave are together again and forever just like she wanted. In 1974, Pat and Dave moved to The Pas, MB. Dave started his career at Keewatin Community College of the North as one of the first Heavy Equipment Instructors. He then became the Welding Instructor and taught many students his skills and knowledge until his retirement. He made many friends with his colleagues and was known as the “Bacardi Kid.” Pat was able to reconnect with one of her cousins who lived in The Pas. It was the perfect spot for them with the beautiful lakes and forests nearby allowing them to do their favorite activities, fishing, boating and hunting. You haven't lived until you've enjoyed a "pickerel feast ' prepared by Pat! They enjoyed many happy years in The Pas, made many friends, and made oh so many memories. In 1989, young newlyweds Angie and Perry moved in next door. This was the beginning of a lasting friendship which only got stronger when Roger and Stephanie were born in 1999. As Roger and Stephanie grew up, Auntie Pat and Uncle Dave were always there, at Christmas concerts, Award days, birthdays and holidays, supporting them with love and pride. The friendship blossomed into one of extended family. They will be sadly missed but have left so many wonderful memories. Our families enjoyed some wonderful camping trips with Dad and Pat that we will treasure forever. He loved fishing with the kids. David and family will never forget the many hunting trips that they shared along with quad, dirt bike, and snowmobile trips. Pat was very much a part of dad’s love of nature and they shared in all things together. It was fitting they should be married in a beautiful outdoor wedding at the home of their good friends Angie and Perry and their children. We loved to share their happiness that day on August 9, six years ago today. Dad and Pat spent many Christmas’ and New Year’s visiting our families. He took great delight in the toys that Pat and he picked out. I remember Pat calling to say she got her hands on a “Furbie”. She had no idea what that was, just knew the kids would love it. We always knew dad “tested’ the toys before the grandchildren got them. He had to make sure the batteries were good after all! Our Dad was a wonderful Grandpa. He was very proud of his grandchildren and never missed a graduation or special occasion. We have many pictures of Dad and Pat enjoying these family times with us. I know it broke his heart not to have been at Catlin’s wedding, sadly he knew he was much too sick to go and passed away the week before. SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE: Saturday, August 9, 2014 1:00 p.m. Lakeside Cemetery, The Pas, Manitoba