Simon was just 34 years of age and passed away suddenly on the weekend.

On Saturday he participated in round 3 of the North Coast Surf Boat Series at South West Rocks and was a member of the men’s reserves crew who won their division on the day.

Club life member and boat sweep Wayne Gill described Simon as ‘Mr Reliable’ and ‘the greatest kid’.

“He actually grew up with our kids and probably spent as much time on our lounge as he did in his own bed,” Gill said.

“Simon was part of a great group of club members who came through the ranks together including my son Daniel, along with Trent Wai, Tim White, Callum Johnston, Danny Marchment, Josh Galloway and Kurt Schubert – to name a few.

“They were just good mates and stuck true with each other. They would do some really outrageous things but no one cared; they were just good mates.

“From a club viewpoint, Simon never shirked his responsibility in or out of the boat and he never complained about going (competing) in big seas. He developed into a very good rower.”

Gill said Simon’s best attributes were his willingness to get the job done and a desire to help out across the club structure.

“Every time an event was on at the club he would be doing something. He was just there and never let you down, he was Mr Reliable; just the greatest kid.

“Of course he had a great sense of humour too and a wicked cackle.

“He leaves a huge hole around the club.”

Simon joined the club in 1998 and earned his bronze medallion the following year and would be among ‘the first picked in your team’. “Our family is just devastated,” Gill said.

Club boat captain Tony Kee described Simon as a strong competitor and loyal club member.

“He just never let you down,” he said.

“Simon held many positions within the club, including club captain, patrol captain, boat captain and treasurer as well as being a patrolling member.

“He was a member of our reserve grade premiership crew from last year and was a member of some of our north coast champion teams for many years.

“We are a family and will bind together and do what we can for Simon’s family and everyone in the boat shed and the club.”

Kee said the club was still reeling from the sudden death of Graeme Buckley earlier this year.

“It is just hard to believe that two such committed club members and boaties have left us in such a short space of time.”

Former club president Richard McGovern described Simon as a dedicated club member who endorsed the mantra of contributing to your community.

“He was the first one there to help and invariably the last one to leave,” he said.

“I’d describe him as dedicated, honest and reliable. He was a really good club member and will be sadly missed.”

Funeral arrangements are yet to be finalised.