Hans Smits Obituary: Former Associate Dean At University of Calgary Dies – Edmonton, AL
Hans Smits Obituary: Former Associate Dean at University of Calgary Dies – Edmonton, AB
The city of Edmonton, Alberta, is mourning the loss of Hans Smits, a respected educator, community leader, and former Associate Dean at the University of Calgary, who passed away this past weekend. His passing marks the end of a remarkable life devoted to education, public service, and the betterment of his community.
A Life of Dedication and Service
Hans Smits was widely admired for his lifelong commitment to education and democracy. As a former Associate Dean at the University of Calgary, he played a vital role in shaping the next generation of educators and thinkers across Canada. His passion for learning and teaching inspired countless students, colleagues, and education professionals.
Mr. Smits dedicated his life not only to academia but also to public advocacy. He was an active volunteer with Public Interest Alberta, where he championed social justice, public education, and democratic engagement. Those who worked alongside him remember his unwavering integrity, sharp intellect, and deep compassion for others.
Honors and Recognition
In recognition of his outstanding service and contributions, Hans Smits was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal earlier this year. The prestigious honor celebrated his lifelong efforts to uplift his community and his commitment to values that strengthen public life and education in Alberta and beyond.
Additionally, Hans was a proud member of the Alberta NDP, where his leadership and activism earned him a lifetime membership. He was known for his unwavering dedication to social progress and his belief in fairness, democracy, and equality for all.
A Legacy of Compassion, Integrity, and Hope
Those who knew Hans Smits remember him as a beautiful human being — kind, thoughtful, and endlessly dedicated to others. His influence extended beyond the classroom, touching the hearts of students, friends, and colleagues across Canada and around the world.
In a heartfelt statement, a member of the Alberta Legislature said:
“Mr. Speaker, this weekend, we lost an extraordinary Edmontonian, a beautiful human being who devoted his life to serving his community, his country, and this planet… Hans leaves behind a legacy of compassion, integrity, and hope, one that will continue to guide all of us who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Remembering Hans Smits
Hans Smits’s passing has left a profound impact on the University of Calgary, the Alberta NDP, and the broader Edmonton community. He will be remembered as a man of principle who used education and civic engagement as tools for change.
To his wife Donna, his family, and all who mourn his loss, the community extends its deepest condolences. The many people whose lives he touched — as a teacher, mentor, colleague, and friend — will carry forward his spirit of generosity and commitment to making the world a better place.
Conclusion
The death of Hans Smits is a great loss for Alberta and for Canada. His work as an educator and public advocate leaves behind a powerful legacy — one rooted in compassion, knowledge, and social responsibility. As Edmonton and the University of Calgary communities remember his contributions, his vision for a fairer, more educated, and more democratic society will continue to inspire generations to come.
