Ernest Solomon Jr

My life is but a weaving in between the Lord and me. I cannot choose the
colors; he worketh steadily. Often he weaves sorrow, and I in foolish pride forget he
sees the upper and I see the underside. Not until the loom is silent and the shutters
cease to fly, shall GOD unroll the canvas and explain the reason why. The dark threads are as needful in the weavers' skillful hand. As the threads of gold and silver in the pattern God has planned.

Ernest Solomon Jr. affectionately known as “Donald Duck" by his
grandfather because he was so small as a child, later shortened his name to "Donald or Don" as so many have come to know him by, and have embraced him with his quick wit and charismatic personality.

Don was the first of three children, born, to the union of Ernest Winters Solomon, Sr. and Ethel Louise Burch on July 4, 1927 in the city of Detroit, Ml. Don was preceded in death by both parents and siblings Richard Solomon and Eugene Solomon. He was a stellar student graduating from Northern High School and later pursuing his degree in Liberal Arts at Wayne State University. He was also, a gifted athlete in track and field running 1/2 mile and as a sprinter as well as playing in a baseball league.

ln 1945, Don joined the Navy serving in World War II with an honorable discharge. He then married Lillian Edwards and was blessed with six children. He began his walk with Christ as a young child baptized at Bethel A.M.E, Church. He received his certificate for the Golden Circle 50 year member in 1999, While retiring
to Atlanta, GA. he attended his second church home, Big Bethel A.M.E. Church but maintained his tithes and membership in Michigan.

Don began his career as a bus driver with the Detroit Transportation Department of Streets and Railways (DSR). He taught Physical Ed. at Northern High School. He worked with his brother Geno at "Solomon's Barber & Beauty Supply" continuing the entrepreneurial legacy of the Burch family originating from the Ebu tribe in Nigeria. Don later relocated to San Francisco, Calif. and obtained a job in transportation, management and as a mixologist.

After living in San Francisco for approximately five years, he returned back to Michigan with his family and accepted a position at Ford Motor Co. until he retired. While working at Ford, he became an Alternate Committee Man. He continued to work tirelessly with the union when the late Buddie Battle placed him on union leave for two years to teach union classes at UAW Black Lake in Onaway, Ml. He was appointed Coordinator for District One City of Detroit UAW Region lA. ln 1980, he was appointed the position at 36th District Court. Don organized the Michigan American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 25 (AFSCME). He was then quickly promoted to being their first President of the AFL-CIO Bailiff’s local 917 or 13 years until he retired. Don's commitment and contributions at various levels of politics significantly benefited the community from many aspects. He was affiliated with many civic organizations. He was a charter member of the Trade Union Leadership Council (TULC); a life member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP); a member of the Russell Woods Association and was quite a warrior working diligently in the background to create the rich political history of the City and State of Michigan.

During the great personal sacrifices of his accomplishments as a leader in the community, was his devotion to the Freemasonry Northern Jurisdiction. He was raised to the sublimed Master Mason in 1951 and affiliated with the Prince Hall Grand Lodge Famabiff No. 33 in the 70's. In 1985, he was raised to a 32nd degree Mason of Wolverine Consistory No. 6. Don then received his 33rd and last degree in Masonry in May 1988. Don's passion for the Masonic order has never wavered. He was reclassified to Sovereign Grand lnspector General (S.G.I.G.) in May 2010 in Denver, Colorado. Don joined the Shrine and was created in Marracci Temple No. 13 lmperial Council A.E.A.0.N.M.S. in June 1985, then rose to an Honorary Past lmperial Potentate serving faithfully as the Director of voter's Registration retiring from this position after 15 years.

ln his leisure, Don was a world traveler. He had a great since of humor and was a strong builder of relationships. Don was a man of distinction and often complimented for his dapper attire and swagger. Don received several trophies from his bowling league tournaments. Don also loved spirited competition where he demonstrated his infamous ability to count cards and dominos strategically directing his opponents every move. Due to this uncanny ability, family, friends and even every casino in Vegas raises an eyebrow when they see him approaching, but always has a wonderful time with him just the same. After a long day, Don relaxed by watching black and white movies, westerns and cartoons.

Don made a peaceful transition from this earthly place to his heavenly home on Thursday afternoon June 6, 2013, in St. John Hospital, Detroit, Michigan. Those remaining to cherish precious memories of the life and times of Ernest "Don" Solomon Jr.; include, but not limited to: his ex-wives; Lillian Solomon and Joslyn Solomon; Son, Eric Solomon (June); Daughter, Christie Solomon; Daughter, Dona Solomon; Daughter, Toni Cureton (Tyrone); Daughter, Gina Moore; Son, Ernest Solomon; a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, other family members, and countless dear friends.