Wilfrid Laurier community mourns the loss of Ryan Smolkin

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The Wilfrid Laurier community mourns the loss of Ryan Smolkin, valued Laurier alumni. 

Known for his entrepreneurial spirit, Smolkin was the founder and CEO of Smokeโ€™s Poutinerie.  

Smolkin contributed to the Laurier community post-graduation by serving as a member of Laurierโ€™s Vanier Cup champion football team in 1991. In 2012, he delivered a speech for a Student Leadership Summit. In 2018, he spoke again on brand building through entertainment as a part of the Entrepeneur Speaker Series.  

Smolkin was the recipient of the Entreprenurial Spirit Award in 2019 for his work as a business founder and entrepreneurial leader.  

A service will be held on Nov.2 at 1:30 p.m. for Smolkin at the Ottawa Torah Centre (111 Lamplighter Drive, Ottawa). A livestream is available for those who are unable to attend.  

Smolkinโ€™s family asks for donations to be made to We Care or a charity of choice in place of flowers. Those wishing to remember Smolkin can also share their thoughts on the Smokeโ€™s Poutinerie website.  

The loss of a member of the Laurier community has a profound impact on students and the university community. There are services and supports available for those who need them:  


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