Erik Smolenaars

SMOLENAARS, Erik Carlo – Passed away surrounded by the love of his family and friends at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute on Monday, November 3rd, 2025, at the age of 37 years.

We are absolutely heartbroken by the loss of Erik.

Erik is the amazing and dearly loved son of Carlo and Holly (nee Read) Smolenaars. Much loved grandson of Gerald & Helen Read (nee Baker) of Upper Nappan, Nova-Scotia, and the late Joseph “Joe” & Willena “Billie” (nee MacKeigan )Smolenaars of Waterdown, Ontario. Erik will be deeply missed by his Aunts and Uncles: John (Cindy) Read, Angela (Joey) Slobodian, Tanya (Eric) Sparling, Trevor Smolenaars (Fern Heywood) and Allen (Laurnice) Smolenaars, as well as his amazing cousins Brandon (Susan), Alex (Ben), Mitchell (Emily), Piper, Oliver, and Abby. Always remembered by his very close friends Christie, Kevin, Dane, Will, Amanda and the Valour Foundation community. We know there is a long list of people who impacted Erik’s life and we thank you. Erik, we will miss you so much, always in our hearts!

Erik was a dirt bike enthusiast, a talented guitar player, and a lifelong Montreal Canadiens fan—despite his Uncle Joey’s continued efforts to convince him otherwise. Known for his quick wit and signature sarcasm, Erik could make anyone laugh while keeping things real. Beneath his proud nature was a big heart; those lucky enough to be in his circle knew the depth of his loyalty and kindness. Erik had a wide and diverse network of friends, each drawn to his genuine spirit and unique way of connecting with people. Erik will be forever remembered for his beautiful soul, humour, sarcasm, friendship and his music.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Namazi at PCFHC and the incredible healthcare team at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute for their exceptional care, respect, compassion and for always taking the time to make Erik feel seen, heard and valued over the past year. I hope you all know how you truly made a difference. You are all so very special, above and beyond. Please never forget that. A special thank you as well to the special angels from Access Healthcare services, Bayshore Home Care and LifeLabs Petawawa for your dedicated support and treating Erik as a person first.

Words cannot express how grateful we are to everyone, near and far, who held and continue to hold our hands, along the way.

Respecting Erik’s wishes, cremation has taken place. As an expression of sympathy, donations to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute or Riverview Rescues would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Malcolm, Deavitt & Binhammer Funeral Home, Pembroke.