Obituary of Matthew Solonenko

Matt Solonenko of Rhein passed away at Skinner Place, Yorkton & District Nursing Home on April 2, 2022 at the age of 87 years. Matt was born to Mike and Mary (Mysko) Solonenko in Yorkton on October 28, 1934 and he is the second youngest of five children. Matt was raised on a farm north of Stornoway and attended the Stornoway School in his early years. He often talked about the tasty lard sandwiches with salt & pepper, that he would take to school. Matt completed his grade 12 at the Yorkton Collegiate Institute in Yorkton. Shortly after he found work in Kitimat, B.C doing the mail run. He saved his money and purchased a 1953 Chev a year later. Matt drove his car back to Yorkton where he met and married Josephine Kostur on July 17, 1955. Their married years would include residing in a number of locations – Toronto, Estevan, Moose Jaw, Regina, Maryfield, Thompson, and eventually settling on a farm 6 miles north of Rhein. Matt experienced a number of employment opportunities such as a time keeper for Brademore Construction, he delivered bread for McGavins, owned & operated the Model Café in Maryfield, worked in the nickel mine in Thompson, owned & operated two taxi cabs in Thompson called Nickel City, farmed, and drove School Bus from Rhein for 26 years. He always had a job. When Matt had time he enjoyed, fishing, watching a good western movie, playing cards and sitting outside during the summer to take in mother nature’s wonders. He loved to socialize at various functions and often would be moving from table to table touching base with family and friends. He was an excellent dancer and even enjoyed taking the microphone to sing along with the Ukrainian melodies or say a few words. Matt always loved a homecooked meal and homemade canning. His favourite treat were smarties. During Matt’s later years, his dementia had progressed so much that his residence changed to the Wallace Unit at the Yorkton & District Nursing Home. For a period of time he managed to get around and participate with the weekly activities. Matt is predeceased by his parents Mike & Mary Solonenko, his brothers Steve Solonenko & John Solonenko, a brother, Nicholas in infancy, brothers in law, Bill Stupak and Walter Shwaga; his nephew Dennis Solonenko and sisters-in-law, Ann Solonenko and Susan Solonenko. He leaves to mourn Josephine Solonenko, his sisters – Olga Stupak and Emily & Peter Pryszlak, his children & grandchildren - Barron & Valerie Stricker (Solonenko) and their children Christopher & Kara Stricker (Eggie), Wayne & Christine Connolly (Stricker), Richard Solonenko & Sandie (Hamilton), Cheryl Solonenko & David MacNeil and Christina, Debbie Solonenko and Samantha & Alexandra, Robin Solonenko and Tyler, Godson Larry Solonenko, great grandchildren Aubrey, Wayne, Gage, Jesse, Blayre, Gabriel and Violet, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The family would like to sincerely thank the Skinner & Wallace Unit for their care and attention during Matt’s last days. In addition, the family would like to thank Bailey’s Funeral home for their service and kind words. Although our father has passed, we rest in comfort knowing that he is in the Lord’s house and is at peace. Memorials in memory of Matt may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan (301-2550 12th Ave., Regina, SK S4P 3X1) as gifts of remembrance. Service Details. Service When: Saturday, April 9th, 2022 11:00am Location: Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre Address: Highway #10 East YORKTON, SK Interment Location: Yorkton Memorial Gardens Address: Highway #10 East YORKTON, SK Online Memory & Photo Sharing Event Ongoing Online Event About this event In Loving Memory Of Matthew Solonenko October 28, 1934 - April 2, 2022 Look inside to read what others have shared Family and friends are coming together online to create a special keepsake. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in this book. View Tribute Book