Farewell Stu Smythe
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Farewell Stu Smythe
Captain Stewart Smythe (retired) sadly passed away on June 9th in Melbourne, from complications following surgery on a tumor.
Stu had a very colorful and rewarding aviation career that began with top dressing in New Zealand through to the controls of an Airbus into the busiest destinations in Europe. Along the way he made lots of friends from all levels of the industry and from all corners of the world.
One of his earliest jobs was with Rural Aviation in NZ doing topdressing. From here in 1966 he went on to TPNG (Territory of PNG) as it was known then, to fly with Ansett Mandated Air Lines (MAL) in the light aircraft division. He was based in Mendi on a Cessna 185, I remember him telling me that he used to land in the Hagen strip in town before Kagamuga was built. Those were the days of real "bush flying".
When Ansett MAL was closed the PNG operation in 1968 Stu moved to Australia and joined Ansett Airlines. He enjoyed a good career there until 1989 before relocating to Polynesian Airlines in Samoa, an operation that certainly suited his love of life and all things relaxing. Some of the antics of his time spent in the South Seas surely reflect this.
In early 1992 as Emirates was starting to expand, Stu joined EK on the 727 Fleet and was promoted to the Airbus a few years later where he stayed until retirement in March, 2001. He retired to Gisbourne, Victoria where he has a farm. Unfortunately he was diagnosed with cancer shortly after retirement and his death was due to complications following the removal of a tumor.
Stu was laid to rest next to his wife Lorraine in Waipukarau, New Zealand on June 22nd. He is survived by two daughters and one son, Deanna, Tanya and Don.
Many of us who knew Stu as a colleague, friend and mate will surely miss him and will always remember his love of life and his emphasis on squeezing the most out of it.
Farewell Stu, rest well, you will be missed.
Lukim yu bihain taim Wantok.
Stu had a very colorful and rewarding aviation career that began with top dressing in New Zealand through to the controls of an Airbus into the busiest destinations in Europe. Along the way he made lots of friends from all levels of the industry and from all corners of the world.
One of his earliest jobs was with Rural Aviation in NZ doing topdressing. From here in 1966 he went on to TPNG (Territory of PNG) as it was known then, to fly with Ansett Mandated Air Lines (MAL) in the light aircraft division. He was based in Mendi on a Cessna 185, I remember him telling me that he used to land in the Hagen strip in town before Kagamuga was built. Those were the days of real "bush flying".
When Ansett MAL was closed the PNG operation in 1968 Stu moved to Australia and joined Ansett Airlines. He enjoyed a good career there until 1989 before relocating to Polynesian Airlines in Samoa, an operation that certainly suited his love of life and all things relaxing. Some of the antics of his time spent in the South Seas surely reflect this.
In early 1992 as Emirates was starting to expand, Stu joined EK on the 727 Fleet and was promoted to the Airbus a few years later where he stayed until retirement in March, 2001. He retired to Gisbourne, Victoria where he has a farm. Unfortunately he was diagnosed with cancer shortly after retirement and his death was due to complications following the removal of a tumor.
Stu was laid to rest next to his wife Lorraine in Waipukarau, New Zealand on June 22nd. He is survived by two daughters and one son, Deanna, Tanya and Don.
Many of us who knew Stu as a colleague, friend and mate will surely miss him and will always remember his love of life and his emphasis on squeezing the most out of it.
Farewell Stu, rest well, you will be missed.
Lukim yu bihain taim Wantok.
Retired Tiger pilot
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Haere ra. Haere ra, Ehau! Stu Smythe.
I like Bikpela Balus had the opportunity of knowing Stu Smythe. In my case from the NZ topdressing days where he was known as one of the great 'stick and rudder' operators. Then again after we both left NZ for TPNG in 1965, he to Ansett and myself to Territory Airlines. Our paths crossed again( amply greased with in those days, green SP's.)
With the demise of Ansett's Light Aircraft Division, Stu transferred to Ansett Airlines Australia and climbed through the ranks to a 737 command andf later to EK from where he retired.
Stu was known as a 'bloody good bloke' never put s$tt on anyone and set a standard that many will have difficulty in following.
Stuart. we few we very few, we band of brothers, we salute you.
Haere Ra!
I like Bikpela Balus had the opportunity of knowing Stu Smythe. In my case from the NZ topdressing days where he was known as one of the great 'stick and rudder' operators. Then again after we both left NZ for TPNG in 1965, he to Ansett and myself to Territory Airlines. Our paths crossed again( amply greased with in those days, green SP's.)
With the demise of Ansett's Light Aircraft Division, Stu transferred to Ansett Airlines Australia and climbed through the ranks to a 737 command andf later to EK from where he retired.
Stu was known as a 'bloody good bloke' never put s$tt on anyone and set a standard that many will have difficulty in following.
Stuart. we few we very few, we band of brothers, we salute you.
Haere Ra!
Saddened to hear of the passing of Stu....shared many hours in the Electra with him and the occasional hangover....one of natures gentlemen and it was a privilige to know him.
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I had the fortune of working alongside Stu in EK and was very saddened to hear of Stu's death - I thoroughly agree with former sentiments he was an absolute gentleman and a kindly soul he will be greatly missed
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I knew Stu for the last 10 or so years, both in Samoa and then Dubai. I can remember zooming down the beach in the 727 looking for good fishing spots. He really packed a lot into his time overseas and was always off exploring.
He was a great mate and will be missed by all.
Farewell Stu.
He was a great mate and will be missed by all.
Farewell Stu.
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vale stu
I remember Stu around 1987 when he was a skipper on the An 727. We overnighted in Launy several times where we played crazy golf at the casino course. A golfer he was not. He hit 5 straight balls into the lake in a row before calmly walking around the lake & hitting from the other side!!!! Great times Stu......
