Louise Langlois Solkin, the widow of the late Second World War veteran Wolf Solkin, brought cake to Ste. Anne’s Hospital on Friday to celebrate what would have been his 98th birthday.
Solkin, who passed away on Feb. 3, was the last surviving officer of Canada’s Algonquin regiment, which participated in liberating Europe from the Germans during the Second World War.
Louise said it was important for her family to show the hospital staff their appreciation, “because they were key in helping my husband live so long.”
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Solkin, an advocate for veterans’ rights and dignity, was “instrumental” in protecting the rights of veterans through the Ste-Anne Veterans Committee, said Kenneth Ouellet, the president of the Royal Canadian Legion, Quebec Command. “He championed their cause.”
Solkin’s daughter, Suzu Solkin, told Global News her family has “no idea how to truly express our gratitude for the care that was given” to her father in his last years.
“I’m sure he was looking at us, wherever he was, and saying, ‘Lou, you’re doing the right thing. I’m there with you,'” Louise added.