Death in the Star family
Paul Smith, former editor and co-owner of this newspaper’s predecessor, the Sydney Star, in the early 1980s, died from a heart attack on Saturday aged 56.
Smith was survived by his partner of 14 years, SSO office manager Gary Stocks, and siblings Bernie, Stephanie, Tim and Damian.
Trained as an architect, Smith instead chose to pursue life and career with as many diverse interests as possible, particularly in politics, media and community.
He joined Campaign Against Moral Persecution (CAMP) soon after its founding in the mid-1970s, where he met Bob Hay who would be his partner for 15 years. The pair were strong supporters of the Gay and Lesbian Counselling Service, and were among the first gay couples to move to Newtown before the suburb became a gay enclave.
Smith joined the Star in 1981 and together with Hay, Richard Turner and Tony Cooper, bought the newspaper from its founder Michael Glynn.
Turner said Smith really came into his own during their ownership in the early ’80s. He filled many roles including journalist and layout designer.
Larry Galbraith, a later editor, said Smith continued to provide guidance after the paper was sold again in 1985.
Paul was a very calm, level-headed person, who in his own quiet way kept the ship afloat, Galbraith said.
He was the least well known to the general public, surrounded by larger than life characters with big egos, but his role was far more significant than the public knew.
Smith remained a Star director after leaving to join Media Monitors. He later established his own market research consultancy, Status Quo.
Smith was a long-term survivor of HIV and attributed his general good health to surfing the wave of science. His death was related to genetic heart disease.
He was the best!!!!
Gary, My very deepest sympathy on your loss. I was away for several weeks and only heard the other day. Damien
I only meet Paul a few times during my 7 months here at the paper. In that time time Paul had shared the memories of how the Sydney Star became a Community newspaper and how important it is that it remains so. It is in his memory as a Co-Founder and for all of those who have sat in these chairs before us that we continue to contribute to his and our community.
To Gary, mate, my heart is hurting for you and I just want to give you the biggest longest hug I could possibly give – you are an amazing man and I am better for having gotten to know you and Paul. Love you mate.
Scott xx
Will miss Paul. Australia and Australia Street will never be the same. There is a Tribute page for Paul at:
http://au.respectance.com/PaulSmith/
Paul’s passing has left a deep and unfillable void in the SSO family.
The team at the Sydney Star Observer have been greatly distressed by his passing.
He was a kind, gentle and compassionate soul with a sharp wit, an astute mind and a passion for the gay and lesbian community and its right to equal treatment.
A true gentleman to the end.
Our thoughts are also with his partner of 14 years, Gary Stocks, also a pillar of the SSO family.
One can only imagine how far this community would have progressed if all of us shared the same level of passion and committment to the cause as these to gentlemen.
A true friend to all who knew him. Kind, warm hearted, generous and non judgemental. A brains trust of knowledge to boot!
Paul will be sorely missed by all in the Citroen community. However we will strive to continue his legacy. Vive Paul and vive Le Citroen!
Our thoughts are with Gary and Paul’s extended family. Both Paul and Gary have contributed significantly to the SSO organisation … Paul will be missed by many who knew him. We all owe him a thank you for the long term commitments and support of our LBGTQI communities.
Henry & CK
Paul was a wonderful guy, extremely generous with his time and knowledge. He seemed to know something about absolutely everything. It was always amazing to spend time with him.
This has been one hell of a shock. My thoughts are with Gary and the family.
softly spoken,considerate,intelligent and always willing to help others and share the knowledge…will miss you Paul
Gary,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and Paul’s family. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Niall
Paul was a gentleman to the core and a man of high intelligence. The Citroën Car Club of NSW will miss him too, as well as the many members whose lives Paul touched.
He was a kind and thoughtful person and was the most helpful, generous and giving person I have ever had the pleasure to know. He will be sorely missed.