November 10, 2025
Former Blackbutt SES Group Leader Philip “Denny” Smith was farewelled at a memorial in Yowie Park, Kilcoy, on November 2.
Denny was a member of the Blackbutt SES from 2000 to 2011, serving as Group Leader for five years.
He also delivered Meals on Wheels and, for many years drove for SBCITS (the South Burnett Community Integrated Transport Service), taking residents to medical appointments in Kingaroy, Brisbane, Ipswich and Toowoomba.
He was also a member of the local darts club.
Before settling in Blackbutt, Denny travelled around Australia for 11 years.
He called Blackbutt home for nearly 30 years before he and wife Sandra sold up in 2015 and hit the road again.
Denny held various jobs throughout his working years, including town and road construction, bus and truck driving, maintenance work and drainage.
He was remembered at the memorial as a larrikin who “never said a naughty word” and who always put his family and friends first.
His stepdaughter described him as loud and strong, while his son thanked him for showing him the importance of respect and family. His daughters and a grandchild also spoke, describing him as one of the last true gentlemen; somebody to look up to and who would be deeply missed.
The memorial was attended by family, friends and members of the SES.
Denny died on October 3, aged 85, after living with Alzheimer’s Disease.
He is survived by his wife Sandra, three children, two step-children and five grandchildren.
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