Edward Peter Smereka

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 Brown and a dear friend to so

many in the community.

He earned his PhD in entomology from University of Minnesota, where he met Virginia. After a

few years of field work, he relocated to York Region to begin a 24 year teaching career as a

biology teacher at King City Secondary School. Upon retiring, he followed his passions that led

him to volunteer at Toronto Metro Zoo, the Literacy Council of York-Simcoe and Meals on

Wheels.

His love of biology and the outdoors motivated him to spearhead many cross country trips, to

experience the wonders of North America with his family. These trips always included visiting

family, camping, and educational tours. At home, he channeled these interests into vegetable

gardens, preserving food from the garden, planting trees, building a waterfall, rock gardens and

patios.

Family stories often hinge around what Eddy found by the side of the road, including all the

rocks in the garden. He loved to bring new life to old furniture finds and sell them at antique

markets.

By his own assessment, his greatest accomplishment was being a father of four. His

commitment never waned; from taking his family on ski vacations, even though he didn’t ski, to

making annual trips with Virginia to visit where his children lived, worked, helped with their

projects and to just have fun.

Edward thrived on being surrounded by friends and family; he organized games and events at

parties. One year he planned a backyard olympics; family friends were pitted against each other

in silly events. He was most happy when the whole family gathered at holidays like Christmas.

His life was 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.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2022 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Aurora Armories, 89 Mosley St. Aurora.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Toronto Metro Zoo Conservancy Fund or the

Literacy Council of York-Simcoe.

https://www.wildlifeconservancy.ca/donate

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/literacy-council-york-simcoe/

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