Written by FTMA’s Kat Welsh
A Tribute to Nev Smith 1952 – 2024
Thoughts with The Smith Family, and the Dynamic Timbers Community
Unfortunately, at the beginning of August came the sad news that Neville Smith, founder of Dynamic Timbers in Queensland, had passed away.
For those that know Nev, know that his family and community will be feeling a massive loss, with the hardships of navigating their grief for a man who lived his life with love, morals, and passion for his family, business, and community.
Nev was born on the 4th October 1952, in Tugun Queensland, near Tweed Heads. He was the 7th of 10 siblings, and from a young age life was about being outdoors, fishing, bodysurfing, cycling, playing footy and cricket, riding horses, and developing a close connection with his slightly older brother Rob. Their family nickname was the terrible twins, as the 2 brothers’ adventures landed them in regular trouble. What Nev developed from a young age, was resilience and dedication – mindsets and skills that he has taken with him throughout his life, and for which he is highly regarded for. ‘Dad often spoke of the days when he and his brother Robin would ride their bikes into Newtons paper shop, about a 10km ride, collect the days newspapers and deliver them all the way back to Kennedy Drive, all before school started for the day. The pay was minimal and there was no such thing as a sickie in those days. Pop just made sure they got up and got the papers delivered. As many of you here today would know, Dad always had an impeccable work ethic, clearly it was ingrained in him from those early days,’ said Nathan Smith, Nev and Jenny’s eldest son, during the eulogy speech. Those younger years positively shaped Nev, and developed all the qualities that he is so loved and admired for.
Family has always been a priority for Nev, and he began the journey of his own family when marrying his beloved wife, Jennifer.
‘It was love at first sight, and after a 3-year courtship they were married on the 2nd of November 1974 in Murwillumbah. This union would remain strong until the day of his passing, something very rare these days and something he was incredibly proud of,’ Nathan said.
At the time, Nev had been working as a trainee accountant, not yet having found his way into the timber industry. Nev and Jenny moved their young family around, trying to find financial stability, and in 1984 they made a leap of faith moving to far north QLD, to tropical Innisfail – an area known for high rainfall and cyclones. The name Innisfail comes from the Irish, Inis Fáil, meaning ‘island of destiny’, and for Nev and Jenny, the move proved to be their calling.
They went for the lure of banana growing, and to be near Jenny’s family. It was tough times. Nev dedicated himself to hard work, never missing a beat, as he slogged away. But after having to deal with devastation during cyclones, Nev took up a position at Foxwood Sawmills in nearby Wangan in 1986. What at the time, would have been an incredibly stressful and difficult period, turned out to be how Nev found his destiny with timber. The job at the sawmill opened a door to a sector where he found passion, keenness, and great joy – setting in motion the pathway of Nev’s life’s ambitions.
In 1994, Nev went out on his own, opening the doors to the first location of Dynamic Timbers.
‘With a work ethic that was second to none, Dad would bend over backwards to ensure he had a happy customer, nothing was ever too hard. He was a true gentleman and a fantastic businessman. After retiring just a few short years ago, he left a huge legacy that Nathan and I continue to this very day in his honour. Just earlier this month we celebrated 30 years of Dynamic Timbers, and I know Dad was incredibly proud,’ said Bob Smith, youngest son of Nev and Jenny.
During that 30 years of growing Dynamic Timbers, Nev always had time and devotion for the local community. He regularly went out of his way to contribute, sitting on a number of committees, local boards, and always finding ways to give to others. ‘For a man who worked an incredibly large amount of hours on his business, he always found time for others. Some of you may recall the many years he spent with his good friend Lester putting on a free Christmas lunch for the less fortunate. He was always more than happy to sacrifice his own Christmas day if it meant he could brighten up somebody else’s,’ said Bob. Thinking of others was something Nev held very dear, including a period of tough times for the business where he took employment elsewhere, so his wage could be used to keep Dynamic Timbers and his employees operating.
Over 30 years, Dynamic Timbers has gone from strength to strength with Nev putting his heart and soul into it.
For FTMA, we celebrate Nev, who he is, his amazing qualities, and all the contributions he has made for his family, community and the industry.
‘My first impression of Nev was how down to earth he was. A real straight up bloke with a wicked humour. I also loved the fact that he lived in Far North Queensland but was a NSW Blues Supporter. We clicked instantly! He ran a great business and he must have done something right as his sons are amazing operators and designers who have taken over the business after Nev retired. On behalf of all our members and the wider industry, FTMA sends their love and condolences to the family.’ Kersten Gentle.
At these moments – where death comes to those that we truly treasure – it can be the hardest journey to travel on, alongside the hole that loved ones leave behind. But while we grapple with the space and time we grieve of them, we never lose our connection, our love, and all the ways in which they have meaning for us in our memories and our hearts. Our deepest thoughts, care, and sympathy go to the Smith Family, and to all that know Nev.
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