We Remember
SAMUELS, Solomon
April 7, 1924 — June 15, 2013
Sol was born in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia on April 7, 1924 and passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, in Kelowna, B. C. on June 15, 2013 at the age of 89.
Sol is survived by his wife of 66-years, Helen; his 3 children and their spouses, Brian and Jan, Barbara and Bud and Stephen and Lori; his 5 grandchildren, Jill, Adam, Brent, Sean and Stephen; his 2 great grandchildren, Cole and Evan; his brother Hyman and Helen’s sister Norma and her brother Douglas.
You will never know a finer or more decent person than Sol Samuels. Throughout his life he was known as the kindest, most gentle and considerate man. He had very high principles and was a model of integrity and honesty. His life has been, and will continue to be, an example for his children and grandchildren, who have lots of wonderful memories of their “Pep”.
Sol was a proud veteran and served in the Air Force during World War II. He then attended Queen’s University and Dalhousie Law School. After graduating in 1950, he and Helen moved to Ottawa where Sol joined the Department of Justice. He was appointed a Queen’s Counsel, became Assistant Deputy Minister of Justice and later served as Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs before retiring in 1981.
After retiring, Sol and Helen spent winters in Indialantic, Florida where they have many close friends and a very active social life. Three years ago, after living in Ottawa for 60-years, Sol and Helen moved to Kelowna to be closer to their son Stephen, daughter-in-law Lori and favourite puppy Sophie.
Sol was a very enthusiastic golfer. He was a long-time member of Highlands Golf Club in Ottawa and Melbourne Golf Club in Melbourne, Florida where he enjoyed golfing and spending time with his many special buddies.
The family wishes to thank the doctors, the Home and Community Care workers and the Palliative Care nurses who provided such wonderful care for Sol.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Sol’s name, to The KGH Foundation – Palliative Care Program, 2268 Pandosy St., Kelowna, BC V1Y 1T2.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
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The KGH Foundation – Palliative Care Program, 2268 Pandosy St., Kelowna, BC V1Y 1T2
Condolences
Mrs. Samuels
Please accept my condolences for the loss of your Sol.
My contact with Sol was from 1968 at the CS COOP : Sol was also President of the CS COOP when I worked there.
Sol always gave the proper advice, when asked.
Sol was an exceptional person and I was blessed to share his time and advice.
Best personal regards
Ronald Fitzgerald
CS COOP retired
I send you my heartfelt sympathies. My late Mother, Ruth Davidson, recalled you from your days at Bayshore (?), Mrs. Samuels and would often speak of you knowing that I had taught both Barbara and Stephen while they attended Connaught Public School in Ottawa. I have extremely fond memories of Barbara’s lovely singing voice, so akin to Julie Andrews. We also shared the same street – the Davidsons were down at 435 on the corner of Island Park and Byron.
I feel for your loss and hope that memories of happy times together as a family will help all of you to celebrate the life of your husband, father and grandfather. Peace be with you all !
Helen: I was deeply saddened to hear the news that you had lost your dear Sol. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Love – Anne MacDonald
Mem – we will all miss Pep terribly. He was a wonderful grandfather and great-grandfather and I have such good memories of him. One of my favorites is when we would go buying-shopping and Pep would wait happily for us on the beach chairs in the Netherlands. We can be proud that we had such a great example of what it is to be a kind and gentle person in Pep. Love, Jill
Mrs Samuels(Helen), Brian, Barbara, Stephen & Family:
We are very sorry to here of the loss of your husband, father and cherished friend. My family has very fond memories of growing up in Ottawa and sharing many special happy times with your family. (First learned of the Beatles at your home in Overbrook!!) Please know that many others share in your time of grief. You are all special persons and your Dad’s kind and gentle spirit has been passed down. Sincere Condolences and you have our Thoughts & Prayers at this difficult time.
Chuck & Carol Clark-West Kelowna
Alison & Dan Slee-Ottawa
Barbara Clark-Ottawa
Hi Mem, we will all remember Pep so fondly. When I think of him it’s always as a unit, Mem and Pep. There are some things that will forever remind me of him – golf, of course, Santa Claus hats, drawings of little funny faces, and the word “fella”. I’m grateful to have had such a kind and loving pépé!
Delf and I send you lots of love!
xoxo
Ad
Mrs. Samuels,
I was very sorry to read in The Ottawa Citizen of Sol’s passing.
Knowing Sol as I did as a young, newly-minted lawyer under his supervision and tutelage, I could not agree more with the obituary’s description of his many sterling qualities as a Justice lawyer and a mentsch.
Sol interviewed me and, on the basis of my knowing the Pronto Uranium case, gave me my first job. Being the most junior member of the Advisory and International Law Section, I had plenty of occasions to witness and experience Sol’s knowledge of the law, common sense in how to apply that knowledge and wonderful capacity for managing his lawyers and staff in a fair, kind and generous manner.
While I only spent ten months in the Section, Sol remained for me during my four years of law teaching and 36 additional years in the Department of Justice a model lawyer and human being.
May his memory always remain a blessing for you and your children and grandchildren.
Henry L. Molot
Dear Mrs. Samuels,
In my last message to you, I forgot to mention what I recall from my late father-in-law, Toby Appel, was the long-ago business relationship you and he had together.
Once again,my condolences on your loss.
Henry Molot
Helen, My sympathy is with you in the loss of your best friend and sole mate. Knowing Sol most of my life, I remember him as such a strong but gentle person, and his smile would always light up the room. His love for you was extraordinary. I remember at Jill’s wedding when he spoke, he shared with everyone what a wonderful partnership the two of you shared.
Mem- We will all miss Pep very much. I have many great memories of Pep – the great little clues he would write on the christmas presents and the family Santa Claus are just few. Pep was a great man and a real role model of what a true gentleman should be. I spend all my best and lot’s of love.
Brent
Dear Helen and family,
Heartfelt sympathy to all of you. Sol was a very special man and will truly be missed by the Town Home of Brevard community. With sincere sympathy, Joanne
Helen:
Reg and I were very saddened to read of Sol’s passing. Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we felt. It was a beautiful obituary that described the wonderful neighbour we were fortunate to have in Ottawa. Sol was a distinguished, kind and caring gentleman.
To you dear Helen, please accept our heartfelt condolences. May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead and may you take comfort in knowing that your angel is watching over you.
May the peace that comes from the memories of Sol’s love comfort you now and in the days ahead. Hold tight to these memories for comfort, lean on your friends for strength, and always remember how much you are cared about.
Our hearts are with you in this time of sorrow.
Ken & Régent
Ottawa, Ontario
I was saddened to learn of the death of Mr. Samuels.I had the opportunity of working with him at the Office of the Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs for three years before his retirement. He was well respected and admired by both the judges and his staff.
He will be missed by his family and friends.
We’re so glad we got to spend time with you guys over the last several years here in Florida. We will truly miss Uncle Sol. I always remember him as kind and loving, since I was a little boy.
Mason, Diana, Naomi, Nia and Tyler.
Auntie Helen, we are so sorry to hear the passing of uncle Sol. We’ve been thinking of you and hope that you are getting all the love and support that you need at this sad time. All our love.
Kevin & Tracy
With deepest sympathy to Helen and family.
Nora Troop, Ottawa
Dear Helen,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your husband. I remember you so well from the east end of Ottawa when you taught me so much about self improvement and then later got me started in modeling. I briefly met your husband and young children and envied you having such a lovely family. Where have the years gone!
Again, sorry for your loss but hope that you are well.
Fondly,
Marilyn Wolchuk Celenza