Alan Sollien

Alan C Sollien passed away on February 2, 2017 after a six month battle with cancer. Throughout his journey he continued to to be delighted and appreciative of the amazing care and professionalism given to him by the nurses, doctors, and all that were involved, many of whom he knew from his days at SVMC. He often remarked that he felt fortunate to be able to experience the other side of health care.Born September 19, 1943 to Carl John and Charleen Sollien, in Utica, NY he spent his youth traveling with his family as an Air Force brat. HIs father was a decorated airman and a B-24 pilot in both WWII and the Korean War and was a POW in Germany at the time of Alan's birth.Alan joined the Army after high school and spent part of his service in Vietnam during a time that Alan referred to as ‘before it got bad', always describing it as that of a beautiful country with wonderful people. Following his discharge he attended college in both Maine and Texas, marrying his first wife, Bonnie along the way. His beloved daughter, Kimberly was born during this time and remains his most precious accomplishment and the true love of his life.In 1987 he married his second wife, Kathy and a few years later, Alan was hired as the Director of Materials Management at SVMC. They packed up everything along with Kathy's son, Andrew and moved from Texas to Vermont. Buying a house in the woods, they embraced Vermont and made many wonderful and lifelong friends.After 20 years, Alan retired from SVMC and proceeded to enjoy his non working life. As miracles would have it, within a few months, a young, sweet dog showed up on the deck and after sharing the macaroni and cheese Alan was eating, they adopted each other. Ginger was his constant companion and best friend and they will miss each other greatly.Golfing, hiking, having breakfast with his Geezer buddies, taking Ginger for walks at the Mile Around Woods were all part of his daily life. Martini night at Kevin's restaurant on Friday with Kathy completed the week.Besides his wife, he leaves his beloved daughter Kim and her husband Jeremiah of Palmer, Alaska, his stepson Andrew Cox, daughter in law Griselda and his precious and favorite grandsons, Alexander and Jacob of New Braunfels, Texas. His sisters, Constance Quagliano and husband Michael, Gale Weber, and brother Bren. Nephews Rodger and his daughter Olivia, Dwaine and Alan, all of Texas. Brother in laws, Edward T. Smith from Eugene, OR, and Robert W. Smith of Memphis, TN. Many cousins from upstate New York to Florida, too numerous to list plus a multitude of very special friends and co workers. A time of visitation and fellowship will be held Monday February 13, 2017 from 4-6pm at Hanson-Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home 213 West Main Street Bennington, VT. There are no formal funeral services.Alan asked that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to the Second Chance Animal Shelter in his and his beloved cat, Baby's memory who passed away shortly before he did. Baby and Alan rescued each other at the shelter and were special friends for many years. Or to the Salvation Army, an organization that Alan respected and admired for the help they provide to so many, c/o Hanson-Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home P.O. Box 957 Bennington, VT 05201. A time of visitation and fellowship will be held Monday February 13, 2017 from 4-6pm at Hanson-Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home 213 West Main Street Bennington, VT. There are no formal funeral services.