On this day 33 years ago a Pioneer of Beerwah passed away. His name was Victor Donald Smith. His was a vital part of Beerwah’s history and contributed to Beerwah’s growth and prosperity. Missed by the grandchildren of this man, Kathleen Evan (Smith) & Diane Paes (Smith). Never forgotten, Always Loved. R.I.P. Pop Smith 02-01-1901 – 21-07-1982
The attached newspaper clipping reads as follows: The death of Victor Donald Smith, aged 81 years, in Maleny Hospital came as a shock to his family and a wide circle of Beerwah friends.
Born at Strathpine and educated at the Albany Creek State School, the late Victor Smith went to settle in Beerwah in 1924 and remained there until his death.
As a young man he worked in the timber industry for the Simpson family. His interest in horses encouraged him to take over a horse team hauling logs from Peachester to the Beerwah sawmill. Two such trips was a daily routine.
His services as a blacksmith was regularly called upon to shoe horses,and hand make chains of all sizes for the trimesters.
Later he worked in the Beerwah sawmill at various jobs, and served under manager Gordon Palmer, a well-known Beerwah resident.
Joining the A.I.F. Vic Smith saw active war service in New Guinea, and after four years in the army he returned to his job at the sawmill. He then worked there for many years.
In 1924 Mr Smith married Norah Agnes Moore, in the first wedding celebrated in the Beerwah Church of England. Mr Gordon Palmer gave the bride away and the wedding march was played by his wife.
Mrs Smith came from the St George area where her family owned a well-known grazing property “Quibet”.
The deceased is survived by his wife and five children – Gloria (Carbrook), Donald (Beerwah), Douglas (Carbrook), Ormonde (Beerwah), and Victor (Cairns). One daughter died some time ago.
Victor Smith was buried in the Beerwah cemetery amid the pine plantations where, in his youth, he felled timber to make way for pine plantings.
Victor Donald Smith (02-01-1901 till 21-07-1982)
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Kathleen Evans – Can’t believe this was 33 years ago!
Yes feeling quite old
Hi Kathleen, starting to do a family tree of the Moore side and Norah Moore (Smith) was my great grandma that I never new. I am the grandchild of one of her daughters Mary Jean Moore of Miles. Need to know a few things if possible. Please contact me, as I am stuck on a few things. regards Shandra