Australian Oil Patch Legend
Glen started his career in the oil patch with Gearhart mudlogging in 1983. By late 1984 he was selected for the Delhi Petroleum Wellsite Geologist intake in Adelaide, South Australia. He joined a group of 6 rag-tag graduates in what has become known as the Andy Pietsch School of Operations Geology. Glen revelled in the opportunity to get to the field and the responsibilities that a wellsite geo had in the late 1980s. Two weeks on, one week in the office and one week off. No phones or computers in the field in those days – Glen was directly responsible for mudlogging, coring, testing C wireline logging without head office contact. “Radio scheds” were at 7AM and 4PM. You could pretty much get away with anything on the rigs but miss the radio sched and “YOU’RE FIRED!” Glen was famous for his trips to Innamincka and visits to the local pastoral landholders in the company “whoopie” (Landcruiser).
Over the years, Glen worked seamlessly with everybody on the rigs and in the outback in general. He had a particular fondness for one Mr Cliff Covey, a Canadian Drilling Engineer. He and Cliff worked together all over the Cooper Basin and both were always up for a practical joke on each other, each one always trying to get the upper hand. One afternoon, Cliff advised that the Durham Downs Station Manager (Mr John Ferguson) was dropping in for a visit. Cliff, in his strong Canadian accent introduced him as Mr Fergoooson. Glen, not picking up on the nuance, whole heartedly greeted Mr Fergoooson, only to be sternly advised by the cockie “My name is FERGUSON you idiot!” Glen’s nick-name of Fergie stuck for the rest of his life.
In the office, Wellsite Geos were required to write well completion reports on the wells they had sat. Banks of typists would tap away day upon day generating the reports. Of course, it was in the office where the real hijinks took place. Glen was a great one for practical jokes and the “odd” Friday lunch at the various haunts around Adelaide, usually ending in a glass of complimentary port. From indoor cricket in the office hallway to the famous wellsite Friday morning teas, Glen was always a valued member of the team.
In 1988, Esso bought Delhi Petroleum, and Glen was asked to join Esso in Sydney. He took up residence in an apartment overlooking the Harbour and began the next phase of his career. The offshore Gippsland Basin was added to his Operations remit, and Glen rapidly became a respected Geology Operations Manager in the global company. The offshore wellsite environment was big step up from the onshore Cooper Basin. Instead of steak and chips it was lobster and unlimited Tim tams. Offshore there was more eating and less exercise, and Glen was promoted to the military title of “General… Expansion”.
In 1992 he joined MIM Petroleum and his sphere of operations expanded again as PNG, New Zealand and South-East Asia were added to his portfolio. MIM allowed him to renew his passion for field mapping, with many extensive trips to the PNG highlands. One of Glen’s favourite stories involved PNG secondee Francis turning up one morning in sandshoes instead of his hiking boots. Glen asked where his boots were, and Francis’s reply was, “I burnt me boots.” He’d left them too close to the fire overnight while trying to dry them out. Glen loved that story and would often crack up while telling it. “I burnt me boots” became the unofficial catchphrase of the field trip.
By 1997 Glen had established his own operations consultancy company Geopco. He was sought after by major oil companies all over the world, including Shell, ExxonMobil and BP. He travelled the world from Indonesia to Angola.
Glen was always the tactful professional, and when asked of his experiences in Africa, he would respond how much he enjoyed it, “except for the time I was kidnapped by Pirates!” He was offshore drilling in Angola when pirates (complete with AK47s) boarded the rig unhappy with the oil company’s treatment of locals. As Glen heard the gunfire, he hatched a plan with the local Company man, who advised it was better if the foreign expats were not seen. Glen grabbed 5 packets of biscuits and a box of bottled water and barricaded himself in his room for several days whilst his release could be negotiated!
From 2003 to 2009 he rejoined many of his old Delhi colleagues in the start-up Innamincka Petroleum and was back in the Cooper Basin as Director of Operations. This appointment allowed Glen to return to his favourite Cooper Basin haunts, older, and certainly wiser. Glen oversaw some important oil and gas discoveries in the Cooper during this period.
After a few years as Drilling Manager at Comet Ridge in the late noughties, Glen was appointed Chief Operating Officer of Tlou Energy. This was an expatriate role based in South Africa, and for 6 years Glen led an operational team that discovered and developed Coal Seam Gas in Botswana. This was not an office job! Field camps were barricaded against lions, and vacations enjoyed the exceptional scenery and animal kingdom.
Subsequently Glen consulted to many companies around the world, including Elixir in Mongolia. It was only in 2026 that he decided to hang up his boots, and sadly within months received his cancer diagnosis.
Glen Smith was exceptional geologist, a trusted colleague and a man who always had a smile on his face and could see the upside and humour in any situation. His career allowed him to travel to the four corners of the globe. His skills were sought after internationally, and he was highly respected both in the field and the office. His expertise and friendship will be missed by many, many of his colleagues.
Glen leaves behind his wonderful partner Donna, his two children Andy and Belinda, and eleven grandchildren.
