Brad Smoliak of Edmonton, Alberta, died peacefully on August 11, 2026, leaving behind his wife, Leanne Smoliak, family members, friends, fellow chefs and a wide community of people whose lives he touched through food, mentorship and philanthropy.
Known as a talented chef, restaurateur, mentor and passionate supporter of the VAD program at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, Brad spent much of his life overcoming serious heart challenges. His family said he lived with resilience, determination and an appreciation for every moment.
His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from Edmonton’s culinary and medical communities.
What Happened to Brad Smoliak?
Brad Smoliak died peacefully on August 11, 2026, according to a statement shared by his wife, Leanne. He had lived for years with a congenital heart defect and later developed severe heart failure. In January 2019, he received a ventricular assist device (VAD), which helped extend his life for more than seven years. His family described those years as his “victory lap.”
Brad Smoliak Obituary and Cause of Death
Brad Smoliak’s death came after a remarkable lifelong battle with heart disease.
According to his family and the medical history shared about his life, Brad was born with a congenital heart defect involving transposition of the great vessels. As a child, he underwent several major heart surgeries, including the Mustard Procedure.
Despite those challenges, Brad went on to build a successful career in the culinary industry and became a familiar figure in Edmonton’s restaurant community.
His health took another serious turn when he experienced a major cardiac episode in his mid-30s. His condition continued to deteriorate, and by age 52 he was experiencing late-stage heart failure.
Doctors eventually determined that a traditional heart transplant would not be a viable option because of the condition of his lungs and circulation.
A VAD Gave Brad a New Chance
Brad was subsequently introduced to the ventricular assist device program at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute.
On January 18, 2019, he underwent a complicated 12-hour operation to have a VAD implanted. Because of his unusual heart anatomy, the procedure presented additional challenges.
His recovery was difficult. He spent more than 100 days in hospital and experienced several complications before beginning an intensive rehabilitation process.
But Brad survived.
For the next seven and a half years, he continued living, working, cooking and giving back to the medical program that had helped save his life.
A Celebrated Edmonton Chef and Restaurateur
Brad Smoliak was much more than a patient. He was a respected Edmonton chef who devoted decades to the culinary industry.
He was associated with several prominent Edmonton restaurants and co-founded the Hardware Grill. He also served as chairman of the Edmonton Downtown Farmers Market Association.
His culinary career took him beyond Alberta as well. Brad served as the official chef for Alberta House during the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and the 2012 London Olympics. He also had the opportunity to cook for the Queen of England.
Brad later became the owner of KITCHEN by Brad, continuing to share his culinary expertise and passion for food.
His work in the kitchen was important to him, but people who knew Brad often remembered his personality and generosity just as much as his culinary ability.
Brad Smoliak Remembered as a Mentor and Friend
DON’YA Ukraine’s Kitchen was among those to publicly mourn Brad’s passing.
The organization remembered him as an exceptional chef, mentor, friend and human being who helped teach its team during its early days.
Brad reportedly spent Wednesdays working with members of the kitchen team, creating memories that remained meaningful to them years later. He also developed friendships with people despite language barriers, demonstrating the warmth and humour that those around him associated with him.
The kitchen said that many of the tools and pieces of equipment they continue using came from Brad.
His influence therefore remains part of the kitchen and the people he mentored.
Brad and Leanne Smoliak’s VAD Fundraising Mission
One of the most important causes Brad supported was the VAD program at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute.
After receiving his VAD, Brad and his wife, Leanne, became passionate advocates for the program and the medical professionals who cared for him.
The couple established a goal of raising $1 million for the VAD Artificial Heart Program during their lifetime.
Brad wanted his experience to help other patients facing serious heart disease.
DON’YA Ukraine’s Kitchen said that in Brad’s honour, it intends to continue supporting fundraising efforts for the VAD program and plans to dedicate its future Heart Month fundraising to him.
Brad’s Legacy of Giving Back
Brad’s story was ultimately about more than surviving a serious medical condition.
He used the additional years he was given to work, cook, mentor others, spend time with his family and raise awareness and money for the medical program that had helped him.
His wife described him as someone who lived with “resilience, grit and determination” and encouraged others to appreciate life rather than take it for granted.
That philosophy appears repeatedly in the tributes being shared following his death.
Brad Smoliak Family and Wife
Brad was the beloved husband of Leanne Smoliak and was also remembered as a father, son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend.
Leanne’s tribute described Brad as an inspiration who lived fully despite the extraordinary medical challenges he faced throughout his life.
She said that Brad’s spirit would remain with the people who knew him.
A celebration of Brad’s life is planned for the autumn, with details to be announced by the family.
Community Mourns Brad Smoliak
Brad’s death has affected several communities at once — including Edmonton’s culinary scene, the restaurant industry, the arts and community fundraising circles, and the medical community associated with the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute.
For many people, his legacy is not simply that he survived years of serious heart disease.
It is that he used those years to help others.
Whether through cooking, mentoring young people, supporting community organizations or fundraising for the VAD program, Brad continued to give his time and energy to causes that mattered to him.
Brad Smoliak Obituary: Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Brad Smoliak |
| Location | Edmonton, Alberta |
| Date of death | August 11, 2026 |
| Age | Nearly 60 |
| Wife | Leanne Smoliak |
| Profession | Chef and restaurateur |
| Known for | KITCHEN by Brad, Hardware Grill and culinary work |
| Medical history | Congenital heart defect and advanced heart failure |
| VAD surgery | January 18, 2019 |
| Major cause he supported | VAD Artificial Heart Program |
| Fundraising goal | $1 million |
| Celebration of life | Planned for autumn; details to be announced |
Remembering Brad Smoliak
Brad Smoliak’s story was one of extraordinary perseverance.
He was born with a serious heart defect and was not expected to live a normal lifespan. He survived childhood heart surgery, later endured major cardiac episodes and eventually reached a point where doctors told him he had only months to live.
Then came the VAD.
The device gave Brad additional years, but he did not simply spend those years waiting for another medical development. He lived.
He cooked. He worked. He mentored. He travelled. He raised money. He spent time with Leanne and his loved ones. And he encouraged others to live with the same enthusiasm.
His family has asked people not to remember him only through sadness. Instead, they want people to celebrate the life he lived.
As Leanne expressed in her tribute, Brad would want people to drink well, eat well, live well and love well.
For an Edmonton culinary community that knew his talent and a medical community that knew his determination, Brad Smoliak leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond the kitchen.
FAQs About Brad Smoliak
Who was Brad Smoliak?
Brad Smoliak was an Edmonton chef, restaurateur, mentor and community fundraiser. He was associated with prominent Edmonton culinary establishments and was the owner of KITCHEN by Brad.
When did Brad Smoliak die?
Brad Smoliak died peacefully on August 11, 2026, according to his wife, Leanne Smoliak.
What was Brad Smoliak’s cause of death?
The information provided by his family states that Brad had a lifelong congenital heart condition and later developed severe heart failure. His family announced his peaceful passing but did not provide a more specific immediate medical cause of death.
What happened to Brad Smoliak’s heart?
Brad was born with transposition of the great vessels and underwent significant heart surgery as a child. After developing advanced heart failure later in life, he received a ventricular assist device in January 2019.
How is Brad Smoliak being remembered?
Brad is being remembered as a talented chef, loving husband and family man, mentor, friend and passionate supporter of the VAD program at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute. His family and friends are continuing his goal of raising funds for the program.