EDWARD (ED) PETER SMEREKA

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EDWARD (ED) PETER SMEREKA

Ed passed away peacefully on March 14, 2022, at Margaret Bahen hospice after a rapid decline with cancer.
Loving husband of Virginia Smereka and father of Peter (deceased), Karen, Susan and Robert; father-in-law of Jamie Campbell and Kevin Donegan, relative to many in Winnipeg, grandfather to Aiden and dear friend to many in the community.
He earned his Ph.D. in entomology from University of Minnesota, where he met Virginia. They eventually relocated to York Region where Ed began a 24-year career as a biology teacher at King City Secondary School. Upon retiring, he followed his passions: refinishing furniture, volunteering at Toronto Metro Zoo, the Literacy Council of York-Simcoe, and Meals on Wheels. His love of biology and the outdoors motivated him on many cross-country trips with his family which included visiting family, camping, and educational tours. At home, he channeled these interests: vegetable gardens, preserving food, planting trees, building a waterfall, rock gardens and patios. By his own assessment, his greatest accomplishment was being a father. Edward thrived when surrounded by family and friends. He focused on making others happy, safe, well cared for and fulfilled. He rarely asked for anything in return. He was a mensch of the highest order.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Toronto Metro Zoo Conservancy Fund https://www.wildlife conservancy.ca/donate or the Literacy Council of York-Simcoe, https://www. canadahelps.org/en/charities/literacy-council-york-simcoe/.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ThompsonFH-Aurora.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 19, 2022