In memory of

Ira Smolkin

February 3, 1953 - November 23, 2023

Ira Smolkin died unexpectedly in Los Barailles, Mexico. He was the son of Bernice and Julius Smolkin (deceased) and grew up in Cornwall, Ontario.

He leaves grieving sisters Sheryl Smolkin (Joel Troster) and Debra Smolkin (Leon Freudman) (Toronto); nephews Charles Troster and Justin Deletroz (Toronto); niece and grandniece Ariel Troster (Caitlyn Pascal) and Daphne Pascal-Troster (Ottawa).

Ira had a BA from McMaster University and a music degree from Grant MacEwan University in Edmonton. He traveled widely, living for a time in Toronto but spent the last years of his life in Victoria B.C. working for the B.C. government.

As an athletic high school student his top sport was basketball and he was an avid Raptors fan. But his greatest love was music, and in particular gypsy guitar. He played both solo gigs and with many bands over the years in North America and Europe.

He was a devoted son to his parents and best friend to sisters Debra, Dave Daca, and Bill McGillis plus numerous friends in Victoria. A private funeral was held on December 11. Donations can be made to Save Me Dog Rescue, the Cortez Dog Rescue in Los Barailles, Mexico, or the Canadian Mental Health Foundation.

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Guestbook

(5 of 5)

Brenda Ogilvie (Friend of Debra and Leon)

Entered December 8, 2023 from Los Barriles

Our hearts are breaking for you and your family. So very sorry for your loss. May he find peace.
Pat and Brenda Ogilvie

Rhonda Fromstein (Friend)

Entered December 9, 2023 from Toronto

I am sorry for your heart-breaking loss.

Heather Read (Friend)

Entered January 13, 2024 from Pender Island

Ira i miss your voice your smile and your rambling stories! You were a huge inspiration and mentor to me. Thank you for the support -you were my biggest fan and it meant so much to me to have you come to all my shows and spend the weekend with us. I will now have to imagine you in the audiences instead. I play both guitars you sold me with pride and love, in fact I named the Waterloo Ira after you. Be well on the other side dear friend. ‘Til we meet again. ❤️Heather

Loes van Duijkeren (Friend)

Entered February 29, 2024 from amsterdam The Netherlands

Dear Debbie,
I read the message that Ira died suddenly.
Ira and I lived together in the Van der Hoopstraat in Amsterdam for 7 years. He returned to Canada about 27 years ago. We still had annual contact.
He was a dear friend. It was seven good years.
Lots of strength, also for the rest of the family, with the loss of your brother Ira.
Regards,
Loes van Duijkeren
lvduijk@xs4all.nl
Levantkade 101 1019MJ
Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Lori wagner (Girlfriend)

Entered June 5, 2024 from Mexico

Never forgotten and always in my heart

Life Stories

(1 of 1)

Jim Hamly (Best of Friends)

Entered December 9, 2023 from Victoria, BC

You know....You just never know who your life long friends are going to be, do you! And they say you really only have a few really true friends, ones that you can count on, no matter what! Ira was that true friend for me and we had many good times over our 42 year friendship. In thinking about my friend I realize just what an amazing motivational force he was. I can't count how many concerts, jams, runs, hikes, meals.... I would have missed out on if he wasn't there prompting. "Come on Jim.....I got tickets to ....., lets go.....it will be great". And he was right. It was great.....each and every time. Last summer he signed me up to volunteer and the VI Music Festival. And it was great!

Well my friend..... I am going to have to prompt myself now, but I know that your most increadible spirit will be there, at that music event, and I will quietly think of all the good times we shared. Good luck on your journey brother! Love you!