PETER SMARZ

Condolences & Memories (14 entries)

• So shocked and saddened by this. "Uncle Peter" was a huge man to a six year old but definitely a gentle giant. Condolences to "Aunty Shannon" together you both helped to create the kids that we are today. Thanks. Better late than never! - Posted by: Tracy (Kirby)Ungerer ("daughter") on: Feb 27, 2015

• Pete and I worked together at Advance TV. He helped me out of some petty tight spots over several years. Was at his wedding to Shannon and spent many weekends at his cabin in Whytewold beach with firefighter Scotty. We were all part of the Intelligence corps together. Though I wasn't in touch over many years the memories of some of our capers will always be a part of me. Pete you will always be missed. - Posted by: Bill Allan (Friend) on: Feb 26, 2015

• So very sorry to hear about Peter's passing. Mr. Smarz was my coach for juvenile hockey. He was quite the character and coach. I remember back in the late 80`s my cousin and I were walking east on William Ave. going to a concert at the concert hall and who pulls up in a police cruiser to see what we were up to and to give us a ride? Mr. Peter Smarz. Rest in peace Mr. Smarz - Posted by: Joey Lonec (hockey player) on: Feb 25, 2015

• I am very saddened to hear of this. Peter was a unique and special person, one who only comes around once in a lifetime. I have many happy memories of time spent with him and his family on the farm. Unfortunately I am unable to attend tomorrow but he will always be in my heart and thoughts. Please accept my sincerest condolences in this time of grief. Love you all. And Shanon please leave your phone number or contact number next time you phone me, so I can talk with you. - Posted by: Julianna Strelnikow (Unofficial Daughter) on: Feb 25, 2015

• Our deepest sympathies to the family. - Posted by: Claudette and Jim Muir (Friends) on: Feb 24, 2015

• I was a member of one of Peter's midget hockey teams. I think I can speak on all the team members that he had a huge impact on us as players, as teammates and as individuals. His style was unorthodox and effective. He wasn't so much x's and o's but would regale our group of wild teens with policing stories that held us all rapt. I doubt anyone of us has ever been part of a more effective and just plain fun team. He made sure we all played and all contributed. I don't recall ever thanking him. I hope I did. I understand better now what a committment he made to us. To his wife and children, thank you to for allowing him to devote so much time to us. Dustin, for any foul language you overheard when your Dad left the dressing room, sorry. :) Thanks Peter. 'Hit, skate, shoot!' - Posted by: Andrew Boss (Former player) on: Feb 24, 2015

• Pete Smarz.....an original and character with a big heart....worked in the WPS Comm Centre and Pete was on the same shift as the Street Boss....always backing up his guys on calls and looking after calls himself in his own way (maybe ended up in a Smarzfest but the bad guy was off the street)....always came to the 6th floor to chat and tease me and the female staff members but he appreciated what we did. Bigger than life and a beneath the gruff, sly smile a great human being. Rest easy Pete and keep the baton on your belt!!!! - Posted by: Mike Ewatski (co-worker WPS) on: Feb 24, 2015

• Coming from London, England to Winnipeg in 1968, Peter was the first friend I met, being of black Caribbean descend, in those days his friendship was much appreciated, he even took a trip to my homeland Grenada where he spent two weeks with the locals and they appreciated him very much. We have a Canadian dollar split in half so that when we meet we would join it, we won't able to do that for a while, but hope we would join together in Heaven, sorry I could not be with the family at this time. Goodbye Peter my friend, may you rest in peace. CALWYN AND JOYCE. - Posted by: Calwyn Johnson (Very good friend) on: Feb 23, 2015

• "Uncle Peter" and "Aunty Shannon" were a huge part of my life...all the Kirby Girls were adopted by them. It was my honour to have spent so much time in the midst of this family. Peter, my heart is broken even though I know you are in a better place. - Posted by: Nichola (Kirby) Lastella (God Daughter) on: Feb 23, 2015

• Won a championship with the St. Andrews Aces with him as our coach and because of that became a friend and mentor. Dustin and I became very good friends because of him.....his son! I will always remember his raspy voice and velcro shoes......lol it was a joke in the locker room. ....I will miss u...... but will always have the awesome memories of our teams and championship. Thank you Coach Smarz! - Posted by: jason klassen (friend and hockey player for him) on: Feb 23, 2015

• My buddy Pete. He leaves a big hole in my heart. He was a cut off the old definition of a rough cut police officer; quick to answer any situation with a logical black & white comment; a heart as wide as the prairies into which he was born & raised. Won't be the same without him. I'll miss him. - Posted by: Roy Yerex (Ole police pal) on: Feb 23, 2015

• So very sorry to hear about Peter's passing. I first met Peter at Grand Beach in the early 60's when he stayed at Wyle Wood cabins next to Lanky's on the weekends. Party time! He brought Shannon out to the Beach when they were first dating. He was a big personality, all around good guy, always there to help anyone in our family. Peter spoke at my Dad's funeral, never had a chance to say Thank You. Life goes on Peter, memories keep us close. Don Franklin - Posted by: Don Franklin (Family Friend) on: Feb 23, 2015

• An old girlfriend and I went out to Peter's place to babysit in St. Andrew's. I was welcomed by the family. We rode their horses and spent time with them. I thought Peter and Shannon were great people and were a good influence on my girlfriend. Peter was larger than life and well respected. Sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Ken Kowaluk (aquaintance) on: Feb 23, 2015

• My deepest sympathies to the whole family. - Posted by: walter dvorski (friend) on: Feb 23, 2015