Farewell, Alan Smith

Heather Smith shares an extract from her eulogy for her father.

Dad was born on the 30th August 1941 to Margaret Farmes Robertson and Thomas John Wesley Smith of Thirroul.

His paternal grandparents lived close by in 17 Pass Avenue Thirroul and his maternal grandparents at 20 High St, Thirroul, so the Smiths are true locals.

Dad grew up at 16 Hewitts Avenue, Thirroul, with his younger sister Carol.

All the neighbours knew each other in Hewitts Avenue and Dad was especially close to the Browns that lived opposite them. He was educated at Thirroul Public School, then Corrimal High School & later went on to Teacher’s College studying in Wagga, Wagga in 1959 for two years.

The first teaching job he was posted to was a tiny place called Mulgowrie. He then went on to teach at Crookwell followed by Talong where he was the only teacher in the small school.

In 1963 he met my lovely mother, Helen Margaret Flinn, at the Presbyterian Fellowship in Thirroul. They fell in love and were married the following year and they lived in Talong.

Dad said many times that he believed Mum was sent to him as a gift from God.

My eldest brother David was born in 1965 and they were happy in Talong until a bush fire went through and sadly destroyed much of Talong. Mum and Dad moved back to Little Dunne St Austinmer, followed by 33 Redman Avenue, Thirroul, where they stayed for the rest of their lives. I soon came along followed by Andrew in 1971. Our parents were always loving and we were lucky to be surrounded by a very closeknit family.

Dad’s parents were still in Hewitts Avenue and Mum’s parents living in Boyce Avenue, Austinmer. We were so lucky to have them all both so nearby.

We had an extended family through many church friends from Thirroul Presbyterian church.

Dad continued teaching, firstly at Lindsay Park Public School and then, for the next 30 years, at Bellambi Public School, where he was a highly respected and a much-loved teacher.

The Northern Illawarra Uniting Church is where Dad has given so much of his time dedicated to his faith. Spending hours in his little study doing the church services as a lay preacher, enjoying making a full on visual presentation for the congregation.

For 28 years Mum and dad organised Singalong through the Church for the whole community to enjoy. Mum with her beautiful singing voice and Dad once again spending hours perfecting a varied program of music and laughter for everyone’s enjoyment. They did this every month for 28 years.

In our hallway at home, we have a wall of certificates of achievements for Dad. Amongst them is a National Volunteer Award and an award for excellence in teaching. He was involved with many organisations, such as Rotary and Probus, and he loved going on trips with his Men’s Group.

Dad, I want to say thank you for everything you have done for me and all the others you have touched throughout your extraordinary life.
You have been an outstanding, exceptional father, a wonderful teacher and faithful servant to God and I’m so extremely proud of you.