Philanthropist and business leader Michael Solcz Sr. passes away
Michael Solcz Sr. (Source: Windsor Chapel Funeral Home)
The Windsor-Essex community is mourning the loss of a local business leader and philanthropist.
Michael Solcz Sr. passed away Saturday at the age of 93.
Solcz was born in 1931 in Hunta, Ont., to an immigrant family from Czechoslovakia. The family moved to Windsor in 1942, and he attended W.D. Lowe Technical School to become a tool and die maker.
In 1959, he founded Valiant Corporation, which is now a global corporation.
Solcz also supported efforts to improve the welfare of the Windsor-Essex community through the Solcz Family Foundation with a focus on supporting projects and programs that provide opportunities for children, youth, and families.
Former Windsor Regional Hospital CEO David Musyj tells AM800 News Solcz cared about everyone, especially children.
"Children that had no control over what life handed them and how he tried to overcome that with supporting various children’s activities and initiatives in order to help those children that got a bad hand in life," Musyj says.
Solcz leaves behind his wife of 63 years, Doreen; four sons; and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Musyj says what Solcz has done will live on for generations because his family has adopted his values of helping the community.
"When you talk to all of his children, his grandchildren, they all sound like him; that's amazing," he says. "That was passed down through generations to the other people in his family to live his legacy, to move it forward."
Visitation will be Thursday, 2 p.m.-5 p.m. and 7 p.m.-9 p.m. at Windsor Chapel (Banwell Chapel) 11677 Tecumseh Rd. E.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.
Solcz 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.
~With files from AM800 News journalist Rusty Thompson.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Windsor Top Stories
-
-
-
-
BREAKINGBREAKING Meta working on resolving Facebook, Instagram outage
-
-
-
-
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canada Post strike: Talks deadlocked as sides clash on wages
Negotiations between Canada Post and the union representing its workers appear to be in a deadlock as the two sides remain far apart on wages and other issues.
BREAKING
BREAKING Meta working on resolving Facebook, Instagram outage
Meta users are experiencing a widespread outage, including applications like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and Facebook Messenger, according to third-party website Downdetector.com.
Bank of Canada drops key interest rate to 3.25%, Trump tariff threat 'new source of uncertainty'
Canada's central bank has cut its key rate for the fifth consecutive time – now sitting at 3.25 per cent – as the country's economy grows at a slower rate than projected.
'Baseball-sized hail': Toronto man owes car rental company $18K after hailstorm
A Toronto man is on the hook for about $18,000 after a car he rented over the summer was pelted by baseball-sized hail.
Poilievre's Conservatives still in majority territory: Nanos seat projections
The Liberals' promise of a temporary GST break and $250 rebate cheques haven't benefited Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his minority government when it comes to public support, according to Nanos Research data.
New Vancouver mom temporarily discharged from hospital to see Taylor Swift concert
A Vancouver woman didn’t let an emergency C-section keep her from Saturday’s Taylor Swift concert.
Manitoba nurse found not criminally responsible for killing parents has licence to practice suspended
A Manitoba nurse who was found not criminally responsible for killing his parents and attacking another nurse in a Winnipeg hospital has been suspended from practicing.
Trump chooses Kimberly Guilfoyle as his pick for Greece ambassador
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday named former Fox News personality Kimberly Guilfoyle as his pick to be the U.S. ambassador to Greece.
5 suspected organized crime figures arrested for 3 Montreal and Quebec homicides
Montreal and Quebec police arrested five suspects they believe have organized crime ties in connection with three homicides in 2023 and 2024.
Kitchener
-
Lottery ticket worth $40 million sold in Wellington County
Someone in Wellington County could be $40 million dollars richer.
-
At least 21 people fall victim to rental scam in Kitchener
Police are investigating after 21 people lost a combined $63,000 as part of a rental fraud in Kitchener.
-
Bank of Canada drops key interest rate to 3.25%, Trump tariff threat 'new source of uncertainty'
Canada's central bank has cut its key rate for the fifth consecutive time – now sitting at 3.25 per cent – as the country's economy grows at a slower rate than projected.
London
-
Snow squall warnings and watches in effect, as much as 20cm expected
More snow is expected to roll through the region this afternoon, and it’s coming out swinging.
-
Councillor McAlister claims his ward 'got shafted' by the rest of London after storming out of debate
An unexpectedly tense debate about adjusting London’s electoral boundaries saw Councillor Hadleigh McAlister leave mid-meeting and claim his ward is being carved up to satisfy the rest of London.
-
Bank of Canada drops key interest rate to 3.25%, Trump tariff threat 'new source of uncertainty'
Canada's central bank has cut its key rate for the fifth consecutive time – now sitting at 3.25 per cent – as the country's economy grows at a slower rate than projected.
Barrie
-
Blizzard and snow squall warnings issued for the region with hazardous travel expected
Prepare for some wicked weather expected to hit the region on Wednesday, with heavy snowfall up to 80 centimetres possible and gusty winds creating dicey travel conditions.
-
Modified shotgun, axe and drugs seized from vehicle in Midland parking lot: OPP
Two people face charges after a driving complaint in Midland led officers to allegedly find drugs, an axe, baton and a modified shotgun.
-
Commercial vehicle driver faces charges and licence suspension after traffic stop
Police in South Simcoe laid charges against a commercial vehicle driver following a traffic stop on Tuesday.
Northern Ontario
-
Ontario man charged with sex trafficking underage girls from Sudbury, Kingston
Two young girls, from Sudbury and Kingston, Ont., were rescued from sex trafficking in the GTA and their suspected abuser has been charged, but police fear there may be more victims.
-
Canada Post strike: Talks deadlocked as sides clash on wages
Negotiations between Canada Post and the union representing its workers appear to be in a deadlock as the two sides remain far apart on wages and other issues.
-
What financial experts wish you knew about divorce
Divorce is a major financial reset, yet also one of the worst times to make a lot of important decisions, according to financial experts.
Sault Ste. Marie
-
Ontario man charged with sex trafficking underage girls from Sudbury, Kingston
Two young girls, from Sudbury and Kingston, Ont., were rescued from sex trafficking in the GTA and their suspected abuser has been charged, but police fear there may be more victims.
-
Doctor shortage crisis turning into a catastrophe in the north: OMA
Northern Ontario doctors are calling on the province to immediately address an acute doctor shortage in northern Ontario.
-
SPONSORED
SPONSORED Is your credit card’s travel insurance enough?
When you’re planning a trip, you always want to ensure you have coverage for any unexpected events, whether that’s a medical emergency, needing to cancel a trip at the last-minute (or during the trip!), or even for lost baggage. Many credit cards offer travel insurance as a perk, but do they provide you with enough coverage?
Ottawa
-
Council approves Ottawa Police Service budget, begins debate on full 2025 spending plan
Council will vote on the final 2025 City of Ottawa budget on Wednesday and residents can expect to pay more in taxes next year.
-
BREAKING
BREAKING Meta working on resolving Facebook, Instagram outage
Meta users are experiencing a widespread outage, including applications like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and Facebook Messenger, according to third-party website Downdetector.com.
-
Coca-Cola company adds to Gatineau, Que. man's memorabilia collection after seeing CTV News story
A Gatineau man’s collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia gets the attention of the soft drink company.
Toronto
-
Police locate labyrinth of tunnels connecting tents to generator in Hamilton encampment
Hamilton police say that they discovered a series of “man-made holes and tunnels” during a patrol of a downtown encampment earlier this week.
-
‘We just want a clear plan’ Ford says ahead of meeting with Trudeau on Trump tariff threat
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is softening his language a day after telling a U.S. media outlet that he plans to hold Prime Minister Justin Trudeau “accountable” for managing the threat of tariffs from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.
-
Bank of Canada drops key interest rate to 3.25%, Trump tariff threat 'new source of uncertainty'
Canada's central bank has cut its key rate for the fifth consecutive time – now sitting at 3.25 per cent – as the country's economy grows at a slower rate than projected.
Montreal
-
Quebec launching investigations into 3 Montreal schools over religion
The Quebec Education Ministry will formally investigate three Montreal schools for possible religious abuses. Preliminary information points to a toxic climate and behavior that could lead to fears for students' safety, among other things.
-
Dorval apartment building evacuated after fire breaks out
Around 90 firefighters are at an apartment building in Dorval after a fire broke out on the fifth floor of a seven-storey building.
-
5 suspected organized crime figures arrested for 3 Montreal and Quebec homicides
Montreal and Quebec police arrested five suspects they believe have organized crime ties in connection with three homicides in 2023 and 2024.
Winnipeg
-
Winnipeg home to be demolished following late-night fire
The City of Winnipeg will demolish a home in the Glenelm neighbourhood that caught fire late Tuesday.
-
Manitoba nurse found not criminally responsible for killing parents has licence to practice suspended
A Manitoba nurse who was found not criminally responsible for killing his parents and attacking another nurse in a Winnipeg hospital has been suspended from practicing.
-
Winnipeg under extreme cold warning
The extreme cold is starting to settle in parts of Manitoba, including in the city of Winnipeg.
Edmonton
-
DEVELOPINGDEVELOPING Crash involving school bus ties up south Edmonton traffic
A school bus carrying children was involved in a crash in south Edmonton Wednesday morning.
-
Mass casualty event to be simulated in St. Albert on Thursday
An active shooter situation will be simulated in St. Albert on Thursday for the city and local first responders to practice their response to a mass casualty event.
-
Alberta BMX racer Molly Simpson looks to build on fifth-place finish at the Paris Olympics
BMX racer Molly Simpson is still riding the high of a fifth-place finish at the Paris Olympics. But the 22-year-old from Red Deer, Alta., has plenty more to do.
Calgary
-
'Suspicious person' prompts shelter in place at Calgary building, turns out to be RCMP officer
Calgary police say an RCMP officer inadvertently prompted a shelter in place order at an Eau Claire office building on Wednesday.
-
Why did Calgary's feeder main break? A new report shares the answer
The final report on the Bearspaw feeder main break is scheduled to be presented to a city committee on Wednesday, along with a price tag on the repairs, which is in the neighbourhood of $35 to $45 million.
-
Woman on life support after assault on N.E. Calgary pathway; police seek suspect
The search is on for a suspect in a vicious assault in Calgary's northeast that has left a woman on life support.
Regina
-
Sask. premier sees rise in approval as new term begins, according to poll
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has seen a bump in his approval rating as his new term begins, according to a recent poll from Angus Reid.
-
'Creatively incredible': Regina raised talent featured in 'Wicked' film
A professional dancer from Saskatchewan was featured in the movie adaptation of Wicked, which has seen significant success at the box office.
-
Moe accused of soliciting donations after video of Toronto gala highlighted by opposition
The Saskatchewan NDP is accusing Premier Scott Moe of billing taxpayers for a "fundraising trip." Moe was in Toronto earlier in the year for a summit, but also attended a business gala where attendees were asked to consider a political donation.
Vancouver
-
No Santa, no Rudolph: B.C. mother questions lyric changes for son's school concert
A Saanich, B.C., mom is questioning why her son came home from school with the words “Santa,” “Rudolph” and “Christmas” crossed out on a lyric sheet for his winter concert.
-
Suspect arrested in string of Metro Vancouver sex assaults
Police in Metro Vancouver have arrested a suspect following a string of sexual assaults on strangers in recent days.
-
B.C. First Nation to develop salmon hatchery with Fisheries Department
The Tsilhqot’in National Government in British Columbia says it has formed a "historic partnership" with the federal Fisheries Department to develop a permanent salmon conservation hatchery in its territory.
Vancouver Island
-
No Santa, no Rudolph: B.C. mother questions lyric changes for son's school concert
A Saanich, B.C., mom is questioning why her son came home from school with the words “Santa,” “Rudolph” and “Christmas” crossed out on a lyric sheet for his winter concert.
-
B.C. First Nation to develop salmon hatchery with Fisheries Department
The Tsilhqot’in National Government in British Columbia says it has formed a "historic partnership" with the federal Fisheries Department to develop a permanent salmon conservation hatchery in its territory.
-
Suspect arrested in string of Metro Vancouver sex assaults
Police in Metro Vancouver have arrested a suspect following a string of sexual assaults on strangers in recent days.
Atlantic
-
Maritime weather: Rainy, windy weather moves through region
More rain and wind are ahead for the Maritimes Wednesday through Thursday, with weather warnings in effect for parts of the region.
-
Two men charged after weapons, body armour found in stolen vehicle: N.B. RCMP
Two men have been charged after police allegedly seized a loaded weapon and body armour from a stolen vehicle that fled from officers in southwestern New Brunswick.
-
N.S. RCMP search for Truro man wanted on provincewide warrant
The RCMP is searching for a man from Truro, N.S., who is wanted on a provincewide warrant.
N.L.
-
Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador ready to sign Churchill Falls energy deal
The premiers of Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador are ready to sign an energy agreement, ending a long-running dispute over the Churchill Falls hydroelectric plant in Labrador.
-
Newfoundland towns light up harbours to honour fishers and pray for their safety
On a twinkling wharf in a small Newfoundland town, a crowd of about 100 people stopped singing and chatting on Friday night to bow their heads in a moment of silence for local fish harvesters.
-
North anxious over dwindling necessities, no Christmas gifts, due to postal strike
Communities in Northern Canada say the postal strike is starting to choke off the supply and children in remote regions may not receive Christmas gifts this year.
