Peacefully, on Wednesday, September 4, 2019, in his 95th year. Cherished husband of Zofia for 65 years. Loving father of Anna, Marek (Cathy Marchetti), Barbara Benko (Leo) and Juliusz (Cindy). Proud grandfather of Daniel, Benjamin, Michael, Nicole, Julia, Stefania, and Anne. Great-grandfather of Willow, Jasper, and Melody.

In addition to being a beloved husband, father and grandfather, Florian Śmieja was a poet, professor, translator, researcher and publisher. He created beautiful works in Polish, English and Spanish, including more than ten books of poetry, several volumes of remembrances, and numerous essays and articles, many of which can be found on the Polish blog: cultureave.com. After retiring from the University of Western Ontario, where he taught Spanish language and Spanish and Latin-American literature, Professor Śmieja travelled annually to Wroclaw University in Poland to teach. In 2015, he received an honorary doctorate from this university, and was awarded the Order of Isabela the Catholic from the Spanish king for cultural achievements. Until the last, Florian Śmieja continued to mentor, advise and inspire his students, writers and friends.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to Doctors Without Borders.

Copy and paste the following links to see two videos in Polish featuring Florian Śmieja:

Uroczystość we Wrocławiu
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_oGzSPW1HFo

Wywiad z Tatą w Kończycach
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=T1JTIJ2QBWw

Please see below for Visitation and Funeral details.