Our dear old Dad died peacefully on October 19th 2019, with family by his side. Born in Poland, Peter emigrated to Canada at the age of 11 where his family made Mannville, Alberta their home. Having no education to that point, Peter quickly embraced learning and his life’s path was set. He understood that learning is not a simple task and unique to the individual. This guided him through a very successful and rewarding career of over 40 years as an educator.
Peter taught in one-room schoolhouses in Northern Alberta, high schools in Edmonton and Cranbrook, and HMCS Venture, Victoria. He retired as Professor Emeritus (Mathematics) in 1989 from Royal Roads Military College where he had the good fortune to spend over 21 years. Throughout his career and beyond, he continued to receive messages of thanks from his students. It always warmed his heart to know that he had made a difference. Along the way, continuing his own pursuit of knowledge, Peter earned 5 degrees – BEd; BSc; MEd; MPA; PhD and mastered 6 different languages. He continued enrolling in various courses well into his 80’s. His thirst for learning never ceased.
Peter truly had a full life. Space does not permit listing all of his interests. He was a fitness buff and enjoyed running and tennis. He played his last game of tennis on his 89th birthday. He was involved in politics; was on various committees and boards; volunteered in the community, and much more.
Laughter was a big part of Peter’s life. He was known for his humour and loved telling jokes to anyone who would listen. It brought him joy seeing people laugh and smile.
Peter had a special friendship with Kwakwaka’wakw carver Chief Henry Hunt. They met over a cup of coffee and Henry motivated him to carve. Peter learned well from Henry’s guidance and created some pretty amazing carvings, for a Ukrainian.
Peter met our Mom Jean in high school. They were married in Edmonton in 1954. A strong connection between them was their passion for helping others, in their own ways. Together, they raised 4 children. Peter was extremely proud of his family and it gave him such satisfaction to see his children and grandchildren following successful paths of their own.
Peter was predeceased by Jean in 2001. He leaves his children Gordy, Gavin (Rhonda), Sacha and Sue; grandchildren Rowan and Silken; and brother Steve (Lillian) and family. We will miss you Papa Shmata.
Our family wishes to thank Dr. George Urban for his years of care and friendship. And, to the staff at Broadmead Lodge who took exceptional care of Dad through his final chapter.
As per Peter’s wish, a private gathering was held in the Green Burial section at the Royal Oak Burial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Broadmead Care – Veterans Memorial Lodge would be appreciated.
Death is not too big a price for the life I have led.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
18 Responses
Sorry for your loss. He was great. Dr. Smart was one of my favorite professors at RRMC when I was there from ’87 to ’89.
I also knew him when I was a kid living there when my Dad was the Anglican college Padre.
I remember how kind he was, and also his wonderful sense of humor.
Matthew and I are sincerely sorry for your loss.
Peter was responsible for Matthew and I meeting in the first place,
and I have many memories of Sacha’s “Dad” and his humor and pragmatic way of looking at the world.
Peter was unforgettable.
Sincere condolences
Matthew and Sharon Overton
So sad to hear of Dr Smart’s passing and send condolences to his family and many friends around the world. I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with Peter on many occasions, including when he came to campus to hear (and reconnect with) Gen Natynczyk speak, at VIECC luncheons, and to his house to see his carvings. I’ll never forget his humour and his seemingly endless supply of super corny jokes. And he played tennis regularly until what age?!?! We should all live life as he did. RIP, Dr Smart. You will be missed.
So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. He sure had a full life and sounds like lots of laughter along the way.
My sincere condolences to Sue, Sacha and family
Dr. Smart was one of the brightest, funniest men I have ever met. As a cadet, he taught me mathematics, and there wasn’t a day that I didn’t look forward to his class. Year later, I saw him again, still with that infectious smile. And he remembered my name. I think the look of shock on my face made him laugh even more. Peter will be missed, but he will never ever be forgotten. Thank you for your passion, sir.
Dr. Smart was indeed the exceptionally considerate, humane and intelligent person that others have confirmed. I knew him only as my cross country coach during the 4 years I had the privilege to study as a “Roadent” at RRMC. I couldn’t agree more with others in their observations regarding his love for running (& fitness), his humour, and his down to earth kindness and sensibility. These traits were particularly important and reassuring to me as a young cadet facing many challenges brought upon me by the Milcol systems, customs and expectations. More personally, Peter revealed to me with great pride that he had been the decisive vote in having me directed to RRMC (vice RMC as an engineer) as a 1st year cadet because of my running accomplishments in the Maritimes. I was both astonished and thankful that one person could have had such a significant outcome on my future.
Thank-you Peter!
BGen (Ret’d) G.C.P. Matte, CD, PhD
Gordie, Gavin, Sue, and Sacha, it was such an honour to know your dad, who we fondly called P.S. What a wonderfully talented individual he was. He always had a twinkle in his eye, a smile on his face, and ready to share today’s best joke, we just had to ask. Your dad enjoyed a long and fruitful life, as we say, a life well lived. We will remember and treasure our memories of time with him.
Hugs and hugs,
He was an extraordinary individual in so many ways. But first and foremost to me he was an affable and outstanding professor. The world desperately needs so many more like him. He leaves behind an amazing legacy