Hinterland History - Family Legacy

Colin Guy Thomas Smith, grandson of Mapleton’s original settler Thomas David Smith, was farewelled this week at Mapleton Cemetery, joining generations of the Smith family whose history is deeply intertwined with the town’s own. 

by Cate Patterson

Fourteen members of the extended Smith family now rest in Mapleton cemetery, with family matriarch Hannah Smith, great great grandmother to Colin Guy Thomas Smith, laid to rest here in 1901; it is a testament to their enduring legacy in the region.

It is fitting after a farewell, to remember Colin Smith’s life journey which began in Longreach, Queensland in 1930, and was marked by innovation, resilience, and a deep connection to his roots. 

As the son of Henry (Harry) Smith and Edith Smith (née Quinn), Colin grew up on the edge of the outback, inheriting the values of hard work and resourcefulness that defined his pioneering family.

His daughter, Donna Klease of Mapleton, reflected on her father’s life and heritage: “Dad was always so proud of his family’s connection to Mapleton. He often spoke of his grandfather, Thomas Smith, and the courage it took to settle here back in 1889. He felt a real responsibility to carry on that spirit of innovation.”

Colin’s formative years were spent in Ilfracombe, where he and his sisters, Betty and Pauline, enjoyed simple pleasures, from family tennis matches to community dances. 

“He’d tell us stories about growing up in the bush—how everyone pitched in, and how imagination was your biggest asset,” Donna recalled.

After attending local schools and boarding in Rockhampton, Colin embarked on a diverse career that reflected both his adaptability and adventurous spirit. He worked on everything from electrifying the town of Ilfracombe alongside his father to pioneering road and dam building projects, and even survived a dramatic emergency landing in his own plane. 

His quick thinking once made headlines when he raised the alarm during a fire in Ilfracombe’s general store, ensuring the safety of its residents.

Colin’s professional life later took him to Sydney, where he rose to senior roles in British Automotive Industries, Borg-Warner Corporation, and Windscreens O’Brien Glass. He was instrumental in bringing iconic blue and yellow colours to the firm—a detail still visible today. 

Ever the innovator, like his grandfather, he later founded Pacific Export Services in Australia, establishing offices in all six states and spearheading new approaches to international business. 

Colin developed a highly effective method for introducing Western products into the Japanese market, maintaining an apartment in Tokyo for thirteen years as he built vital trade relationships. His reach extended to the United States as well, with offices in San Antonio, Houston, and New Orleans. 

With the expert assistance of Margaret, he successfully marketed numerous companies - some of which, such as Actil Bed Linen, Wyndham Wines, Wilsonart, Coopers Beer,

Sleepmaster, Bush Pet Food, Polycane Outdoor Furniture, and Aussie Ben Pies, grew into multimillion-dollar enterprises.

Despite his global success, Colin never lost sight of his roots.

“He was always keen to retrace the family’s history in Mapleton,” said Donna. “It meant the world to him that his grandfather, Thomas, had been such a pioneer here. Dad liked to think he inherited that inventive spirit.”

Colin’s personal life was equally rich. He met his beloved wife, Margaret, in Sydney, and together they celebrated almost four decades of marriage, finding joy in adventure, travel, and family gatherings. 

He was a devoted father to Donna, Karen, and Jeffrey, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather. 

“He loved that he and Margaret were called ‘The Greats’ by his grandkids and great-grandkids. Family was everything to him,” Donna shared.

Colin’s philosophy on life was shaped by an old Irish-English saying: “You’re a long time dead.” For him, it was a reminder to seize every opportunity and cherish every moment. 

“Dad never put off what mattered—he made the most of his time, his relationships, and the experiences life offered,” Donna said.

Colin Guy Thomas Smith passed away on January 25, 2026, in Dallas, Texas. On Tuesday, May 12, he was laid to rest at Mapleton Cemetery, joining his forebears in the place where his family’s Australian story began more than 135 years ago.

He is survived by his wife Margaret, his children Donna, Karen, and Jeffrey, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. 

In the words of his daughter, “He lived fully, loved deeply, and left a legacy our family—and this community—will never forget.”

Images:

Colin Smith with his daughter Donna Klease in 2007 with the Well on Colin’s grandfather’s Mapleton property that saved Mapleton from the drought go 1891-2 

The painting of Thomas David Smith and Bellville, his pioneer Mapleton home that Donna had commissioned for Colin’s 80th birthday 

A young Colin Smith at Ilfracombe 

Colin was a successful businessman establishing Pacific Export Services