Recently, a memorial service was held for Swan Christian College (SCC) staff member, Mr Don Smith, following a battle with cancer.
Don began working for SCC in early 2002 after some years as a missionary in China.
Originally a graduate of Hampton High School in Perth, Don studied medicine before becoming a Christian and changing his career choice to Education and pursuing God’s mission at every turn with his wonderful wife Debbie.
Some of Don’s teaching friends remembered Don this week as a giant in the field of Christian education and one of the kindest individuals to interact with.
Alex Smilovitis, SCC Teacher
“I first met Don Smith in 1975 at Hampton High School, where we were classmates in the same mathematics classroom.
Even back then, Don had a quiet strength about him—thoughtful, steady, and always willing to lend a hand.
One of my strongest memories from that time was at our graduation party.
I wasn’t a Christian then, but Don took the opportunity to share the gospel with me.
I remember arguing with him about it, not realising then how significant that conversation would be in my life.
Four years later, I became a Christian, and our paths crossed again in an unexpected way—we ended up attending the same church.
As life took us in different directions, I went into pastoral ministry in Sydney while Don and his wife, Debbie, followed their calling as missionaries in China.
Years passed, but in God’s providence, we reconnected when I found myself teaching mathematics at Swan Christian College.
Don was there too, teaching in the primary school.
It had been more than 20 years, but his warmth and dedication to serving others had not changed.
Over the past 14 years, it was a blessing to work alongside him once again.
In his final days, I had the privilege of visiting Don at Midland Hospital just a week before he went to be with the Lord.
As we prayed together, he spoke with peace and certainty, saying he was ready to go home.
That moment will always stay with me—a testament to the faith he lived by and the quiet courage he carried.
Don was an inspiration to all who knew him.
His kindness, faith, and unwavering commitment to serving others left a lasting impact.
I am grateful for the years of friendship, for the lessons he taught me—both in and out of the classroom—and for the example he set of a life well lived in service to God.”
Jean Thomas, retired SCC teacher
Don Smith was a colleague and friend whom I truly trusted, respected and admired.
The first time I met Don and Debbie Smith was in the year that I had the privilege of teaching one of their three beautiful daughters – Bonnie – in year 5 at Midland Christian School.
Bonnie was obviously the product of a very loving, nurturing and Christian home and Don and Debbie were the kind of parents that every teacher needs, wants and appreciates – always interested, supportive and encouraging.
And I knew that they prayed for me and for the entire school family.
When Don became a colleague at Midland Christian School, his passion to make Jesus known and his dedication to his students were hallmarks of his teaching.
His students knew that he cared for them and wanted the best for each one.
He wrote inspiring programmes that captured and motivated their interest in learning, and his classroom was like Dr WHO’s Tardis – very ordinary on the outside but full of different and adventurous educational learning experiences on the inside.
And always after the last bell sounded, you could see a bunch of students that didn’t have to rush off, hanging back like bees around a honeypot, eager to debate with him about all sorts of topics, build intricate models with his expert assistance or challenge him to a game of chess.
Don’s classroom was a haven for kids because they knew their teacher would always put them first and put things aside in order to be a listening ear and mentor.
One example of this I distinctly remember is when he had either lost or broken his glasses and said he couldn’t see much past the end of his nose – but it was a very long time before he made time for himself to get a new pair made.
He wasn’t afraid to call things out if he disagreed with something, but he did so humbly and graciously.
He had a quiet but wicked sense of humour and was patient, very direct, honest, trustworthy, kind, determined and wise.
His love and commitment to Debbie and his girls and their families was only surpassed by that for his Lord and Saviour, of whom he was a faithful servant and with whom he is now safe forevermore.
Karl Dietrich, SCC Music Teacher
“I always used to admire Don, for making time for the Year 5’s & 6’s to play handball with them, near the art room; instead of having a break.
He always had a caring and fatherly approach to his classes, and his staff devotions were always inspiring.
He taught my daughter Esther, and she has fond memories of him, too.
I used to enjoy the banter with Don and Deb, when they both worked together at the school.
It was lovely to visit him at his home, and he encouraged me that we were all making a difference in the lives of the students.
I will miss his smile and storytelling and sense of humour.”
Susannah Morcombe, former SCC Teacher
Don was the best co-teacher and mentor I’ve ever had.
He spent his years at Swan servant-heartedly serving in silence; very few people knew what he was up to!
From taking all of the pregnant co-teachers duties, to writing programs for co-teachers who couldn’t get their head around the workload, to editing others’ reports for them, to driving into school on a Saturday to pick up your forgotten keys, phone, workbook, to dropping off toilet paper at your house at 9:30pm because it’s a pandemic and you’d run out due to the shortages!!
Don did all of these things and more.
Because he cared.
Because he knew God.
Because he was married to Deb.
Don was a rock of biblical knowledge, and he lived it out as a pastor in China, leading many to Christ, as a preacher and youth group leader with his beloved Deb too, here in Australia, and as a Year 6 teacher at Swan, bringing Jesus to hundreds of families in our community.
My time as his co-teacher taught me how to love the kids, enjoy stories (many stories!), and how to know God better and more deeply.
Watching Don go through his final moments here with us, his faith in God was never more on display.
His peace and joy were seen by every doctor, nurse, cleaner, and catering member, and every single person queried how he was so calm and peaceful.
And Don always gave the answer.
His beloved Jesus.
Don had your back, no matter what.
And his Heavenly Father has his.
What a beautiful life lived for the Lord.
An incredible witness for God’s glory.
The memorial service for Don was held at Eastern Districts Alliance Church (EDAC) on Saturday, 1 February 2025, with a large crowd attending to pay their respects.
