Others Magazine

Major Bernard Smith was Promoted to Glory peacefully from palliative care on Monday 31 August 2020 surrounded by his loving family. He was just six days shy of his 83rd birthday.

The funeral service for Major Bernard Smith was held on Tuesday 8 September, conducted by Major Mark Everitt.

Formal ministry for Bernard and Elsie began a little later than most when in 1977 they took on the position of Red Shield Defence Services (RSDS) Representative at the Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera (Qld). Following this position, Bernard and Elsie entered The Salvation Army Training College as members of the Proclaimers of Salvation session of cadets (1979-80). Commissioned in 1981, they were appointed to Cowra Corps (NSW), then to Toongabbie Corps (1983-84) and, in 1985, to Lidcombe Corps.

In January 1987, the Smiths returned to RSDS as Senior Representatives at the Holsworthy Barracks (NSW). During this appointment, Bernard also took on the role of Associate Chaplain to the NSW Rural Fire Service.

A change of ministry came in 1990 when Bernard was appointed as Territorial Public Relations Secretary, and concurrently Planned Giving Director in the Newcastle and Central NSW Division, and then in 1994 he relocated and held the same two appointments for The Greater West Division (1994-98). In 1998, the Smiths relocated to Queensland where Bernard was once again appointed as Divisional Public Relations Secretary, this time for South Queensland Division. In 2000 Bernard took on the appointment as Administrative Services and Travel Officer, Office of the Chief Secretary, a position he faithfully fulfilled until his retirement on 1 November 2002.

In retirement Bernard and Elsie enjoyed travelling to Ireland to visit Duncan and Sandra and the family, as well as caravanning around Australia, bike riding, hiking, volunteering for ‘Meals on Wheels’, and they even managed to do a couple of cruises. Bernard also enjoyed playing in the Divisional Fellowship Band in Brisbane.

Our love, sympathy and prayers are with Elsie, Glenn, Duncan, Cameron, their families, and grandchildren, as well as the many friends honouring Bernard’s life. May God bring comfort to those who mourn his passing, confident in the knowledge that Bernard is now at peace with his Lord and Master.

“At peace with my God, and how can it be, except by the love of Jesus for me. Anxiety gone, sins under the blood, and I am at peace, at peace with my God.” – Richard Slater (1854-1939)