Smolanski – Michael Phillip Smolanski of Brooks passed away in Brooks on Wednesday October 30th, 2013 at the age of 86 years. He was born in Tarnopol, Poland on October 23rd, 1927. The Smolanski family came to Canada and moved to the Iddelsleigh area in 1929 before settling on the family farm in 1945. Mike received his schooling in Iddesleigh and later married Wanda Lewandoski and took over the farm until 1978. He then semi retired to a smaller farm outside of Brooks. Upon his retirement Mike was able to travel and pursue other interests at his leisure, but his interest in farming and ranching was always with him. Mike endured the hardships of life with strength of conviction and accepted the good times with a smile. He was a giving man who loved to read, and strong discussions were always a pleasure. Mike was pre-deceased by his wife Wanda, parents Anna and Joseph and two brothers Stanley and John. He is survived by his 2 daughters Valeria Levie of Ponoka and Angela Spencer of Wainwright; 5 grandchildren Monica (Marty) Tripp, Robert, Lorna, Kevin and Samantha; 7 great-grandchildren, Steven, Shelby, Kiana, Braxton, Katie, Jasper and Greyson and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, November 5th at 10:30 AM from St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Deacon Robert N.J. Wilson officiated. Honorary Pallbearers were all of Michael’s friends. Active Pallbearers were Jeff Lewandoski, Rob Spencer, Kevin Christman, Samantha Howard, Monica Tripp and Lorna Christman. Interment followed at Brooks Cemetery. In memory of Mike, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to either Canadian Cancer Society, #200, 325 Manning Road NE, Calgary, Alberta T2E 9Z9 or Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, Room #124, 430 – 6th Avenue SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 2S8. Funeral arrangements in care of SMITH FUNERAL HOME, BROOKS, ALBERTA. Condolences may be forwarded through www.sfh.ca Telephone 403-362-4636 or Toll Free (866) 362-4652.
