Edward Piasta

PIASTA, Edward It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, Edward Piasta, of Edmonton, Alberta on August 1, 2017. Ed is survived by his two daughters, Maria (Phil) and Tamara (Dan); and his son, John (Anne-Marie); cherished grandchildren, Sarah, David, Michael, Ava, Amélie, Nicholas and Elliott; and brother, Michael, as well as relatives and many friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Dmytro and Paraska; as well as his loving wife of 36 years, Virginia. Ed was born on February 4, 1936 in Melfort, Saskatchewan. He attended Melfort Composite Collegiate Institute where he was class valedictorian. He then began his post-secondary education at the University of Saskatchewan, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1957 and a Law degree in 1959. He was admitted as a member of the Law Society of Alberta in 1960. Ed began his legal practice with Liden, Murray & Ackroyd in Edmonton and remained with its successor, as a partner, of Ackroyd, Piasta, Roth & Day, for over 45 years. His practice covered all aspects of law, initially including civil litigation at all levels of the courts and then moving primarily into corporate and commercial matters as well as business and real estate law. Ed travelled to Eastern Europe on many occasions rendering legal services in the structuring, organization and registration of joint ventures involving Canadian business interests. He also provided legal counsel to the Ukrainian Catholic Diocese of Edmonton. He was appointed Queen's Counsel by the Law Society of Alberta in 1988 and retired from the practice of law in 2007. Over the years, Ed was actively involved in many community organizations, most prominently the Advisory Counsel for Alberta Ukraine Relations and the Ukrainian Foundation for College Education Trust. He played a key role in the construction of the church building for the St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church as well as initiating and completing the construction of the St. Nicholas Seniors' Home. He has held coaching positions in minor hockey, soccer and baseball as well as officiating many swim meets. He has been a shareholder, director and officer of several Alberta and Canadian corporations. He was awarded the Alberta Centennial medal for his extensive contributions to his community. Ed also served in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve with The Loyal Edmonton Regiment (4PPCLI) reaching the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and Commanding Officer of the Regiment. Ed was the youngest Commanding Officer in the history of the Regiment and the only Commanding Officer of Ukrainian decent. He was awarded the Canadian Decoration in 1972. Ed had a lifelong passion for sports. As a young man, he played hockey and was a long time Edmonton Oilers season ticket holder. Ed was an avid golfer, played tennis, skied and enjoyed fishing. Over the years, Ed travelled to Panama, Mexico, Japan, throughout Europe, Costa Rica and extensively in the US. He enjoyed spending the winter months at his property in Scottsdale, Arizona and the summer months at his condo in Radium, BC or at his home in Edmonton, gardening and trying out new culinary creations. Ed had a zest for life and lived it to its fullest. His favourite and most valued times were spent with family and friends. Always generous, he was typically the first to contribute to any event. He was extremely loyal to, and proud of, his Ukrainian heritage. Above all, Ed loved his family dearly and was an amazing father and grandfather. He will always be remembered and dearly missed. Prayer Service Monday, August 7 at 7:00 p.m at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church , 9507 Austin O’Brien Road (95 Avenue and 64 Street), Edmonton. Divine Liturgy Tuesday, August 8 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, with interment to follow in St. Michael's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ukrainian Foundation for College Education Trust c/o P.O. Box 1796 Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2P2.