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Peacefully, on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, in Edmonton, Alberta, with his wife at his side, Peter Paul Smolarski slipped quietly away and joined with the Lord in eternal peace.
Paul is survived by his loving wife, Stephanie; daughter, Leanne (Edward); grandson, Addison (friend, Grace Heys); and numerous friends and family. He was predeceased by his parents, Walter and Teenie Smolarski; brother, Edward Smolarski, and sister-in-law, Zonie; and many other in-law family members.
Paul was born in Manitoba, in the rural community of Brokenhead in 1940 and resided there until 1947 when the family decided to move to Stead, Manitoba. After receiving a teaching permit in August 1959, he taught at Mohyla School, a one room school with a class of 29 students ranging from Grade One to Grade Nine in the Rossburn area. He later returned to Beausejour Collegiate Institute to complete his secondary education followed by a one-year course at the Provincial Normal School in Winnipeg. He then accepted a full-time teaching Principal position at Donald School in Narol, Manitoba. At the inception of the Division Plan in 1967, Paul expanded his teaching career from rural to urban by teaching at Maple Leaf School in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Through evening classes and summer sessions, Paul completed his B.A and B. Ed. Degrees from the University of Manitoba. During 1985-86 on a sabbatical, he obtained his Master of Education specializing in Educational Administration. He taught at Woodrow, Hampstead, and Bird’s Hill School, teaching Grade 5 until he retired in 1995 with over 30 years of teaching experience.
Paul was passionate about teaching Science throughout his entire career and assisted in the development of several teaching kits at the Intermediate grade level. He had served on the Executive of the River East Science Teachers’ Association, River East Divisional Science Fair Committee, and River East Teachers’ Association. His dedication to the profession and enthusiasm for the democratic process had prompted him to be active on numerous school and divisional committees. His integrity and dedication to his students and colleagues was the hallmark of his professional career.
During Stephanie’s deferred leave on Paul’s first year of retirement, they travelled by car to Black Hills of South Dakota, Wisconsin Dells, St. Louis, Memphis, Graceland, Branson, and Nashville. Later, travels took them to Hawaii, Mexico, Cuba, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Cape Breton Island. Local Alberta destinations were also enjoyed. Despite viewing many unique tourist attractions throughout their travels, their one favorite stop was in Edmonton, visiting their daughter, Leanne, and her family. Addison gave Gramps such joy as they spent time biking, hiking, exploring, and building forts together. Paul’s other passions included gardening, puttering around the yard, bowling, and curling. Times with family were the best times.
Paul was an exceptional son, brother, husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, uncle, and friend to many. Above all, he had time for everyone. No matter the time or place, he could always be counted on to lend a hand or offer advice. He was a man of tender spirit and a generous heart. He will be truly missed by all who knew him.
The family would like to thank Dr. Randeep Sangha at the Cross Cancer Institute and Dr. Mowad Benguzzi, and the 5F3 Care Team at the University of Alberta Hospital for their outstanding help and compassion with Paul’s care.
A Prayer Service (Parastas) will be held on Thursday, August 11, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at Connelly-McKinley Edmonton South Chapel, 4820 Meridian Street NW in Edmonton. Viewing is planned one hour prior to the Prayer Service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada in Paul’s name.
To send condolences and get directions to the Edmonton South location, please feel free to call our staff for assistance. If you search Our Lady of Peace Cemetery on your GPS, it will take you to the correct location. The Funeral Home is located in Our Lady of Peace Cemetery, towards the back. We have also incorporated a Google Map for the area below.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Peter Paul Smolarski 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Edmonton, Province: Alberta