Paul Smith Australian Tribute Website

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Not Fade Away

John Wishart May 05, 2009

I met Paul in the early 80s a couple of years before my nine difficult months as editor of The Star during which he was often able to clear a path through the complexities of gay politics for me and help me make a decision about lead stories. Since then he has always been a ready source of friendship, technical information, gossip and hot scandals.

He eschewed the mundane and unearthed the exotic and perverse, but always shared his findings with a sense of joy and discovery. His imagination reached great heights in the kitchen and I shared many wonderful meals he prepared for whoever happened to be visiting his home at the time.

Paul gave advice and tech tips to a huge number of people, rebuilt and upgraded dozens of computers and networks, maintained a fleet of classic Citroens, wrote and edited many publications, and was a discerning wine collector and drinker.

I will remember him for all of the above but mostly for his constant curiosity, delightful eccentricities, keen intelligence and unswerving friendship.

John Wishart

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Comments

Bob Hay May 07, 2009

John, I was sorry I could not get to Sydney for Paul's funeral and catch up with you and others from so long ago, even if for such a sad occasion... I cannot drive so far now on my own (age does weary one and with the going down of the sun, the eyes are too dim to see the gas-guzzler in front). Do keep in touch - I'm still in the same old place among the Pollies and the falling leaves... Bob Hay.

hakoning May 06, 2009

Thanks John,

Appreciate your kind and personal memory. Please feel free to send the link of Paul's tribute to friends. I have met Paul via Jochen, who is a close friend of mine. As I life in Amsterdam, and only saw Paul once or twice a year, I do not know a lot of his friends; let alone me knowing their email addresses.