Local Second World War veteran turns 100

Second World War veteran Harold Soderlund has been busy reading all the birthday cards and congratulatory correspondence in the days leading up to his 100th birthday. 

A member of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25, Sault North Rotary and the 432 Wing of the Airforce Association of Canada, Soderlund - who was shot down and taken prisoner while serving his country as a member of the Royal Candian Air Force - celebrates his centennial April 21. 

“Well, I have, in fact, a congratulations from her majesty Queen Elizabeth, and also from the Prime Minister of Canada and the mayor of our town here in Sault Ste. Marie - and many more than that,” said Soderlund. “Many, many more.”

Soderlund survived being shot down by an enemy aircraft, floating for two days in the sea after a hospital ship passed him by, before being captured by the enemy and transported by plane, rail and truck from one detention area to another before his eventual liberation and return to Canada. 

SooToday’s Darren Taylor wrote a detailed account of Soderlund’s experience during the Second World War back in 2016. 

“You know at the time, I was sort of in a state of accepting what was happening. I guess I was just wondering what was going to happen next,” recalled Soderlund. “I really didn’t suffer a great deal of trauma, I must say. I seemed to glide along through it, and finally got back to civilian life and had a very interesting life.”

Soderlund went on to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in geological engineering from the University of Saskatchewan in 1950, before going to work at a gold mine in Kirkland Lake. 

The former airman then went on to work at Algoma Steel for the next 31 years of his life. 

Soderlund has been a permanent resident of Sault Ste. Marie since 2006, forming a number of long lasting relationships along the way. He currently lives in a brick bungalow in the city’s west end with his son, Gary, who is his “helper, companion, driver” and sometimes interpreter due to some hearing difficulties. 

“The Sault is a wonderful place, wonderful place. It has everything we need - beautiful riverside walk, lots of trails and a very good hospital here. And the best people you could ever meet, so friendly and helpful,” he said. 

The local 432 Wing of the Airforce Association of Canada, represented by president John Hooper and former president Clyde Healey, showed up at Soderlund’s house over the weekend and presented him with a number of cards and other correspondence to read in the days leading up to his centennial milestone.  

“These two gentlemen have spent a great deal of time and effort in putting all this together for me, and I have perhaps 50 birthday cards, and also so many greetings. I have been reading them all this morning,” he said.

When he’s not out and about fulfilling his medical appointments, Soderlund enjoys playing music. He used to play the accordion at one time, but these days, he leans toward both tenor and alto saxophone, and his keyboard, in an effort to make some “pleasant sounds.” 

Soderlund says it’s the setting of goals - whether it’s picking up an instrument, or building a shed - that keeps him going strong at 100 years old. 

 “I always have something I want to accomplish. I always have some projects in mind,” he said. 

When asked how he feels about celebrating his 100th birthday, Soderlund chuckled. 

 “It’s been a long time coming,” he said with a laugh. “And a pleasant journey, I must say.”

- with files from Darren Taylor