It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Antonius (Tom) Maria Smaak at the age of 97 years, last Sunday June 28, 2026, at Amica Jubilee House in Victoria BC. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend of many. Tom is survived by his loving and loyal wife of 73 years, Minca Smaak (nee Peeters), daughters Monica Smaak (& Christopher), Justa Kendall (& Simon), Hildemarie Ladouceur (& Alex), Julia Giuriato (& Bill) and son John Smaak (& Virginie Cocheme). He was the grandfather to Graham, Spencer and Elliot (& Charlotte), Lauren (& Rob), Ryan, (& Lucy), Sophia (& Robin) Sandra-Mae (& Alan), Roger, Mia (& Kaleb), Nico (& Kiersten) and Valentine (& Taylor). He was the great grandfather to 10 great grandchildren.
Tom was born in Arnhem (Netherlands) in 1929 and had an exciting career as a textile agent in Amsterdam. In 1977 he moved to Calgary with his wife and five children to start a new life in the country of opportunity. He had no fear to embark on new journeys and embraced travelling all over the world with Minca once they retired. In 2018 Tom and Minca moved to Victoria BC where they enjoyed 7 wonderful years at the Carlton House. Tom spent the last 16 months at Amica Jubilee House where he received the best of care possible. Minca joined him there 3 months later to be by his side throughout the last months of his life continuing to manifest their vows “for better and for worse, in sickness and in health, until death do us part”.
To his children, grandchildren and anyone who was present, he passed on a love for music and singing, often accompanied by him playing the guitar and a love for gatherings with lots of joy and laughter.
A Prayer Vigil will be held for Tom at St. Patrick’s Parish, 2060 Haultain Street, Victoria, BC on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 7:00pm.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Parish, on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Noon, with Fr. Silvichan Dominic, Celebrant. Burial will follow at the Royal Oak Burial Park.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens
This obituary is the property of the “Smaak” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Danielle
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Rosemarie Theile Dear Julia and Family,
My heartfelt sympathy and
condolences to you all.
REST IN PEACE, TOM!
❤️
from Rosemarie Theile
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Sandra-Mae to my dearest Opa,
My memories are full of all the wonderful times we had together. The laughter, the crazy and fun family reunions, the music you played, your beautiful tenor voice, your love of food! What an amazing life you lived full of adventure and devotion to Oma and your faith. I was lucky to have you as my Opa. You will always and forever be in my heart.
All my love,
Sandra-Mae
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The Gallaghers What a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man who lived a long and full life!!! He was blessed with a large, loving family who will miss him greatly. Now he is home with the Lord but he will never be forgotten.
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Otto Jan de Nooij To the Smaak family,
Tom had a great life, he was an inspiration to many. From the moment we met in Arnhem,his hometown, till the end. Because Tom knew that we wanted to emigrate to Canada. In simple terms Tom told me that Canada is a not a place of milk and honey. I took his advice, and joined them here. From then we had a great friendship,enjoyed each others company. Our kids had found new grandparents. We had many celebrations, lovely dinners (Tom liked his food) and great conversations. We wish Minca and the Smaak family well in the coming days and beyond.
With love in our hearts,
Elly, Otto Jan, Ashley and Jessica.
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Fr. William Hann My deepest condolences to Minca and family in these difficult days. A life well lived rooted in family at the service of the Lord in the community of the church.I was honored to be his pastor for a number of years. Sacred to his most precious memory. Rest in peace Tom.
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Lauren and Rob Harrington Opa, we will miss your infectious laugh, love of family, devotion to community, and tireless supporter of causes both big and small. Thank you for the many beautiful years of hilarious family reunions, international vacations, and impromptu music sessions. We are grateful, always, for instilling in us your love of prayer and faith. You are in our hearts and prayers- we love you forever.
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Irena Stam I remember Tom as such a friendly, kind and jovial man. He and Minca were close friends of my late parents, Rob and Martie Stam, and they spent countless “Happy Hours” and impromptu dinners together in Willow Park. These get-togethers were filled with friendship, fun and laugher and, I’m sure, a few bottles of my Dad’s home-made wine.
Seventy-three years of marriage is an extraordinary achievement and a beautiful testament to a life of love and devotion shared together.
My heartfelt condolences to the entire family. You are all in my thoughts during this difficult time and I am sending you much love from Calgary.
Warmly,
Irena Stam
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Sister Ave Clarrk,O.P. My sincere prayers of condolences for Hildemarie and all her family and dear friends and especially to her dear mom during this time of loss. May Antonious (Tom) Maria Smaak rest in peace and watch over his dear wife and wonderful family. sincerely, Sister Ave Clark,O.P.
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Ryan Ladouceur I love you always and forever Opa, you will always be in our hearts and our music. Thank you for everything you gave us, especially our wonderful family that wouldn’t be here without you.
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Marla I knew your dad as a man with a sparkle in his eyes who helped build (along with your mom) a foundation of possibilities for his family by providing a solid foundation, based on their beliefs and hard work. What a rich life.
Sending you all love. I will miss him.
xxxxx
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The Menchinis Wow. 97 years of a full life. 73 years of marriage. 5 kids. 11 grandkids. 10 great grandkids. It’s clear his vigor and passion for music, travel, culture and fun definitely lives on in those he loved. Cheers to his legacy!
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Fr. Bill Stephenson My sincere condolences on the death of Tom Smaak. He was a loyal parishioner, supporter and active
member of the parish of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Calgary before, during and after my time as rector.
Tom was always enthusiastic, loyal and faithful, and he was greatly appreciated for his honest and
straightforward participation. Father Bill Stephenson, Calgary.
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Herbert I wish Minca, Julia and all family and friends strength as they mourn the loss of Tom Smaak. In 1988, during the Calgary Olympic Games I visited the hospitable family. I was able to speak my native language and got to know this warm and lovely family.That visit has remained etched in my memory ever since.
I offer my condolences to everyone who held Tom close to their hearts.
Herbert Dijkstra, the Netherlands
My deepest condolences to Minca and family. It was a great blessing to have met you both at St Bonaventure Parish in Calgary. You’ve been a blessing and inspiration to me as you lived your life rooted in love of Jesus. I am praying for you, Minca, in this time of mourning. May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.