George Solomon

George "Jaaj" Solomon, age 88, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, passed away peacefully in his home with family at his side on January 30, 2020, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. He was born on May 12, 1931, in Sagamok, Ontario, Canada, to John Albert and Alberta-Maria (Denall-McDonald) Solomon. George grew up in Sagamok, Ontario, until the age of eleven and then was removed from his family and tribal community to Spanish, Ontario, where he was required to attend the Saint Joseph Residential Boarding School for Boys. He later attended trade school where he learned carpentry and land surveying. He began working as a land surveyor and helped build much of Northern Ontario's infrastructure. He adopted his son, Gregory, in 1977, and continued working as a carpenter for over thirty years. He helped build so many places including Bay Mills Casino in Brimley, the Gateway Casino in Sault, Ontario, and the Super Stack in Sudbury, to name just a few. After his retirement in 1995, he focused his time on woodworking and carving and became well-known as an artisan of traditional Native American designs. He moved to the United States in 2012 to be closer to his family. George was a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Local #446 and the Indian Friendship Center in Ontario. George loved woodworking and carving. He had a great sense of humor, was strong, very independent, and tenacious. He enjoyed fishing, playing music, frequently paying visits to friends and family, and spending time with his grandkids twice each day. He was very generous with his time, talents, and resources and loved his family with everything he had. George is survived by his son, Greg (Susan) Solomon of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan; grandchildren, Raven, George, and Poppy; sister, Penny Tremblay of Spanish, Ontario; brother-in-law, Jim Leadsom of Spanish, Ontario; and a great many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all of who will miss Uncle Georgie very much. George is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Eugene (Marina) Solomon, Joseph Solomon (baby), Joseph Solomon; sisters, Lauretta (Herbert) McCormick, Agnes (Steve) Onesenko, Marg Leadsom, Mary (Dave) Cavanaugh, and Gail (Laurier) Labelle. Traditional Anishinawbek Services have begun with a sacred fire at his residence and will be followed by a traditional service and a feast in Sagamok, Ontario at Enji Wii Ji Gaabwitaadaying Agaamik (the New Community Hall). Visitation will begin on Sunday, February 2, 2020 beginning at 2:00 with funeral services on Monday, February 3rd at 11:00 am. R. Galer Funeral Home in Pickford, Michigan is serving the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rgalerfuneralhome.

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George Solomon

May 12, 1931 - January 30, 2020