Regretfully, the UCBA has learned that Edward Piasta passed away peacefully on August 1, 2017 at the age of 81.
Ed graduated with a Law degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 1959 and was admitted as a member of the Law Society of Alberta in 1960. He practiced as a partner of Ackroyd, Piasta, Roth & Day in Edmonton 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, rendering legal services in the structuring, organization and registration of joint ventures involving Canadian business interests in Eastern Europe. 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 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.
Details of the memorial services for Ed will be posted in the Edmonton Journal on August 4 and 5.