Tributes to the Late Bryan I Smith


This heartfelt tribute is from all the Staff at Paragon BDS................

When you work with someone you get to know many different sides of their personality. One of the many things that we remember Bryan for is his sense of humour. If we were fortunate enough to be helping him with a PowerPoint presentation for his next Lions speech we would be treated to the latest cane toad joke or a farming representation of the local committee or if we were really lucky we would find ourselves listening to a rendition of Bryan’s favourite Tasmanian song “I’m my own Grandpa”.

Bryan’s sense of humour was always evident in his office with framed pictures of mushrooms adorning his walls.    If questioned about this he would grin and reply, “… in this business I am just like a mushroom, kept in the dark and fed………” well you know what mushrooms are fed.   In reality there was no-one less in the dark than Bryan. 

We also remember a very serious and passionate side to Bryan.  He was a brilliant accountant and problem solver driven to work, not by some insane compulsion, but by a passion for what he did and who he was and how he could contribute.   Bryan was happiest when he was helping people and he did it quietly, without fuss, never seeking personal accolades.  Whether he was helping someone out of a pickle or stopping them getting into a pickle or helping them get started in business and on the right path he would devote himself to the task and always find a solution or plan of action.

Bryan was a great mentor and working with him has been a privilege and an honour and a time that we will all treasure.  We know how lucky we are to have some of his great spirit rub off on us.   We will miss him deeply and sadly.    

Bryan, although we cannot see you anymore, you are there in every corner of our offices and in every file we open.    When we walk in the door each day we will think of you and when we help someone out of a pickle, or stop them getting into a pickle, or help them start their business we will do so in your honour




The following tributes have been sent in by our clients in recognition of Bryan and his immense contribution to their lives and businesses......

My association with Bryan goes back to the late 70's, when I joined North West Dairies, as a field officer and Bryan was company secretary. He was extremely helpful to me, when I joined the company and we struck a firm friendship from that time. Bryan was always willing to discuss any facit of my position and I must say he picked my brain many times for information for his farm operation. At the time he operated a dairy farm at the Nook, mainly run by Jenny and his Dad. Bryan was well respected within North West Dairies and he seemed to have much expertise, in helping them through troubled times.

When I left the company, which was then United Milk Tasmania, my wife and I bought a business and Bryan acted as our accountant. Soon after he went out on his own. His business and financial knowledge was invaluable to us and he gave us the confidence, to continue through some very difficult times. We used to be amused the way he would visit us, to view our books, rather than visa versa. His expertise, in financial matters, was vast and I passed on his name to people whom he later helped tremendously.

Bryan will be sadly missed by Jenny and the boys, his staff, clients and all who knew him.

Regards,
Don (and Jan) Peterson  

My association with Bryan has been approximately 25 years, and he was not only a business mentor but a friend and confidant.  Bryan was always accessible to me and ready to give me sound advice.  I credit Bryan to some of my success in business through his expertise, financial advice and problem solving skills.

 John Shaw

Sorry about the passing of Bryan and condolences to his family 

Greta & Mark Nelson