William Dean "Bill" Solinsky

1950 - 2024

William "Bill" Dean Solinsky William "Bill" Dean Solinsky passed away peacefully with his family by his side on January 8th, 2024 in Folsom, California. Bill, son of the late Dean and Charmian Chandler Solinsky, was born on April 19th, 1950 in Sacramento, California. Bill is survived by his wife of 42 years Patricia "Patti" Hans Solinsky, daughters Aislinn Elizabeth Solinsky (Bryan) Henderson and Kaitlinn Solinsky (Brock) Thatcher, grandchildren Chloe Chandler Solinsky (16) and Caden Larry Henderson (3), sister Susan Solinsky Davies and brother Michael Chandler (Cynthia) Solinsky. Bill served in the forestry field for more than 35 years, graduating from Humboldt State University in 1985 and becoming a Registered Professional Forester shortly thereafter. He began working for the family firm, Frank and Dean Solinsky Forestry, later becoming the successor. Bill ended his career with Cal Fire after serving the state for 14 years. He was a proud member of the Association of Consulting Foresters (ACF), enjoying annual family vacations for ACF conferences. Bill was an avid music lover attending hundreds of concerts in his early years and writing bluegrass songs on his acoustic guitar in his later years. Growing up in the Bay Area, he was always cheering for the 49ers and Giants and telling anyone who would listen about being in the stands when Willie McCovey went 4 for 4 in his S.F. debut. He loved making Sunday breakfast, telling dad jokes, watching his kids play sports (even cheerleading), and most of all, being "Papa" to his grandchildren. Those who knew Bill described him as kind, generous, thoughtful, hard-working, and the life of the party. He loved his family deeply, had countless friends, and was always up for one more "final final" nightcap. He will be greatly missed and his legacy will live on in those he knew and loved. The family would like to express their gratitude to the incredible staff at Mercy Hospital of Folsom for their thoughtful care in facilitating his peaceful transition. Over his life, Bill had many beloved pets adopted from local animal shelters. In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorial contributions in Bill's name can be made to the Humboldt County Animal Shelter located in McKinleyville, California. A celebration of Bill's beautiful life will be held later this year.