Obituary of Michael G. Solcz

                                                                            1931-2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved patriarch, Michael G. Solcz. He is survived by his loving wife, Doreen of 63 years, his sons, Len (Anna), Marty (Manuela), Mike Jr. (Elise) and Mark (Mary), his sister Agnes Black (Roger Marentette 2016) and predeceased by his Brother Steve Solcz (2014) and Virginia, his sister’s Helen (2016) and Bill, Mary Verhaeghe (2010) and Morris. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren and extended family and friends. Most importantly, Mike valued time with his grandchildren, giving advice, enjoying their dogs and simply being a good friend and mentor to all of them. Jennifer, Stephanie, Nick, Ryan, Kyrsten, Mike, Chris, Lauren and Annie were his pride and joy.

He was particularly proud of the 63 years he spent with the love of his life, Doreen. They loved being together, enjoyed dining out and visiting the Casino. Mike cared for her over the past year and their relationship was a true testament of what love and caring truly is. It was a true love story.

Mike was born in 1931 in Hunta Ontario and was the son of Michael and Annie Solcz an immigrant family from Czechoslovakia. From those early years Mike embodied the values of hard work, commitment and loyalty that were instilled in him at an incredibly early age. The family moved to Windsor in 1942 where Mike later attended W.D. Lowe Technical School to become a tool and die maker. In 1959 he realized an opportunity and as a young entrepreneur with a focus on hard work, respect for his fellow colleagues and a passion for quality he started Valiant Corporation. He was always thankful to his original partners and friends, Santo Piccinato and Stan Stepp who although brought differing talents to the team, worked in harmony to achieve success. Throughout the years Mike possessed a curiosity of mind, a willingness to learn and a special interest in opportunities in global markets. He was a calculated risk taker but always with optimism and care. He made many lifelong friends along the way.

Throughout his life, Mike was a beacon of kindness and compassion, touching the lives of countless individuals along the way. He always had a way to work a room upon entering it and no matter where he was you would be greeted by his warm smile and thoughtfulness. He had an inherent niceness that many admired. He was a true gentleman.

Mike was always thankful and humbled by his success, and it was important to him to give back to his community. He did so with a passion for helping others in need. Countless deserving charitable organizations benefited from his kindness over the years.

Mike achieved many milestones in his life. He was appointed The First Executive in Residence at the St. Clair College Centre of Excellence in Manufacturing. Mike was awarded the Yves Landry Award of Excellence for his contribution and commitment to the development of skills training and technological education. At the age of 84, Mike received the EandY Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

In 2006, the University of Windsor honored Mike with a Doctor of Laws Degree. In his remarks to students, he stated, “Continue to be curious about the world around you. Be confident in who you are. Believe that you can make a difference in the world and make the choice to do so.”

In 2024, Mike was awarded the Key to the City by Mayor Drew Dilkens. This award was in recognition of his many years of meritorious service as a business leader and for his strong contribution to community building.

Mike was a Member of Beach Grove Golf and Country Club since 1969. Member of the Windsor Club, Founding Member of the Canadian Tooling Association, Member of Inspiration 100 and proud member and supporter of the Slovak Heritage Foundation. He was a past Board Member of the Windsor Essex Community Foundation, St. Clair College Board of Governors, The Windsor Development Commission and the CTMA.

Mike was a devoted Roman Catholic who was proud to be a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish and St. Cyril and Methodius Parish.

The family wishes to express our sincere gratitude to Dr. Mouhanned El-Yousef attending ER Physician and the dedicated and compassionate nursing staff of Windsor Regional Met Campus Emergency Department for their unwavering commitment to provide Mike with exceptional care and respect in his final hours.

Friends and family are invited to join us in honoring a remarkable man who dedicated his life to making the world a brighter place.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Windsor Chapel (Banwell Location) 11677 Tecumseh Rd E. (519)253-7235. Visiting will be Thursday, 2:00-5:00 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Windsor Chapel (Banwell Chapel) and Friday from 10-11:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish with the Funeral Mass to follow at 11:30 a.m. Mike will be laid to rest at the Heavenly Rest Cemetery Mausoleum - Solcz Family Room.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in memory of Mike be made to the:

                                                    Micheal G. Solcz Community Benefit Fund

                                               Managed by the Windsor Essex Community Foundation

                                                                   3200 Deziel Drive, Suite 511

                                                                    Windsor, Ontario N8W 5KB

                                                                              519-255-6572