Tributes are flowing for ‘a legend of the Tasmanian apple industry’ after the passing of Ian Smith this week.
Ian took over the R&R Smith / Willie Smiths Apple Farm at age 21 after the passing of his dad, before his son Andrew launched their famous Willie Smiths Cider brand in recent years.
In a heartfelt tribute shared online, Andrew recounted Ian’s challenging early days, including rebuilding the apple shed after it was destroyed by the 1967 bushfires and navigating the sudden collapse of Tasmania’s apple export industry in 1973.
“In ‘67 bushfires went through the valley and burnt down our packing shed. He learned to weld and rebuilt the shed himself, the very shed I am writing this. This was the start of a can-do attitude and life approach to doing everything himself,” Andrew shared.
“The apple industry changed with England joining the EEC and like many, Ian started building his own coolstores and CA stores for fruit. An expert on refrigeration and storage. He created change, forged forward in a declining industry with a fearless approach.”
“It made him into a strong and stoic business man which at times made for a challenging relationship. Many of us have been told by Ian. Not letting empathy or emotion stop him from arguing a matter of principle.”
Andrew says the loss of his father and “legend of the fruit industry” will leave a “massive hole”.
“Vanessa, Claudette and I have been on a hell of a ride with our father. Ian was a man in control, he didn’t ask anyone to do anything for him that he couldn’t do himself or for the money to do it.”
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