He was born in Milton on the August 16 1946 to Ida and Les Smith of Burrill Lake.

Kevin had a wonderful childhood on the lake. He always said that he couldn’t have wished for anything more. 

As he grew up, he got to know everything about the lake like the back of his hand. It was just instinctual to him.

Kevin loved watching his father Les around the yard building boats, cleaning and mending the fishing nets or packing and loading the fish trucks. 

It was no surprise that what Kevin wanted to do with his life, was become a professional fisherman, and a professional he was.

There was not much Kevin did not know about fishing in the local lakes especially Burrill, he knew it all. He could steer the old launch down that channel blindfolded. He was the greatest fisherman, the title he would hold for his entire life.

Kevin would often talk about the old times, especially the old open air theatre at Burrill, which he would go to almost every week and get up to mischief with his mates. 

He also went to the carnival at Burrill every Christmas. Bonfires on Burrill oval were also great fun on cracker night.

Kevin was always trying to make pocket money somehow. Walking the beaches for cuttle fish, catching nippers and working for old pop Phillips in his market garden was something he loved to do after school.

Kevin attended Ulladulla Public School and Milton Central School where he had very fond memories and especially one of his teacher Miss Alice Davis. She knew how to teach he would say. 

Until more recently Kevin would take Alice a feed of fish whenever he had extra, which was an excuse for a chat with his favourite teacher which he really loved. 

Kevin’s teachers weren’t overly encouraging though, as fishing for a living was not an appropriate job they would say. But he proved them wrong.

Fishing with his father was something he would never forget. 

The knowledge he gained was forever imprinted in his mind. The days working on Burrill, Tabourie and Durras Lakes and the times spent on the beach hauling salmon were extremely happy.

Kevin practically lived on the beach, when the fish were on it was all hands on deck. The word would get out that the Smith’s had a big hall of fish and people would come out of the woodwork to help, which the family always greatly appreciated. 

It was extremely hard work but very rewarding. The memories of beach fishing would last a lifetime.

Fishing never stopped for Kevin, there was the shark fishing, garfish, eels and lobsters he tried it all and was very successful. He wasn’t afraid of a challenge.

Kevin was a proud family man. He was married to Suzanne in 1969 and had three daughters. Lauren, Tracey and Angela.

He also had six grandchildren. 

Kevin was passionate about bowls and he had been a life member of the Ulladulla bowling club since the 1980’s. He had more recently joined the Lake Conjola Club. 

Kevin was an excellent bowler and had won many championships in club events over the years.

Growing up he also played sport, including football for the Milton Ulladulla Bulldogs, tennis and a stint at baseball. He was not one for being idle he always had to be doing something. 

Kevin also loved his photography. This was his other passion. 

He would often be out in his darkroom for hours on end working his magic with the infrared or black and white photos.

Kevin was very proud of his family history and loved to share all of his knowledge. He also would write, and had three books in the works. 

The days Kevin would spend on the lake in his beloved boat named ‘IDLE’ otherwise known as the launch were magic times to him.

Kevin was a private man, a man of integrity, very honest and caring. He is probably looking down on us now thinking we are getting carried away but Kev, that is just who you were.

Kevin left us all with some great memories which we will hold in our hearts forever.

Kevin Smith, man of the water and Burrill Lake.

The Lake will never be the same.

Suzanne, Lauren, Tracy and Angela.