There were tears, hugs, and heartfelt memories shared throughout the day at Don’ya Ukraine’s Kitchen as staff, friends, and supporters reflected on the life of Brad Smoliak, a beloved chef, entrepreneur, mentor, and friend who passed away peacefully on August 11.
Brad’s passing has left a profound void in the culinary community and among the many people whose lives he touched. Known for his culinary excellence, infectious sense of humor, generosity, and unwavering optimism, Brad built a reputation that extended far beyond the kitchen. Those who knew him often describe him as someone who inspired others not only through food but through the remarkable way he lived his life.
In a moving tribute shared by his wife, Leanne Smoliak, she reflected on the extraordinary challenges Brad faced throughout his life and the determination that carried him through them. Born with a congenital heart defect and given little chance of survival as a child, Brad repeatedly defied the odds. At five years old, he underwent a high-risk heart surgery with only a three-percent chance of survival—and he survived.
Over the years, Brad endured numerous cardiac complications, including major health crises beginning at age 35. Yet time and time again, he overcame obstacles that might have defeated others. In 2018, at the age of 52, he was told he had only months to live. Following the implantation of a ventricular assist device (VAD), often referred to as an artificial heart, and a major surgery in 2019, Brad gained years that he lovingly referred to as his “victory lap.”
Those years were filled with purpose. He embraced life with gratitude, encouraging others to do the same. Friends say Brad never wasted a moment and believed deeply in living fully, loving deeply, and appreciating every opportunity.
Leanne described him as a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend, but also as a man whose courage inspired countless people. “He lived big and loved big,” she wrote, encouraging everyone to honor Brad’s memory by eating well, drinking well, living well, and loving well.
As family and friends prepare for a celebration of Brad’s life later this autumn, they are also continuing his mission to support the VAD Artificial Heart Program at the Mazankowski Heart Institute. The family hopes to raise $1 million in their lifetime to support the program that gave Brad precious additional years.
For those who knew him, Brad Smoliak’s legacy is clear: resilience, generosity, and a passion for life that will never be forgotten.