Friends and family of shark attack victim Simon Baccanello, 46, farewell him at emotional service

Friends and family have bid farewell to shark attack victim Simon Baccanello, saying he would “surf in eternity” – as a beautiful video showed the impact he had.

Simon Baccanello has been identified as the victim of a shark attack.

When Simon Baccanello was tragically killed by a shark while surfing on the Eyre Peninsula, he wasn’t searching for the next epic ride.

It was deeper than that.

At an emotional funeral service livestreamed on Thursday, his family and friends paid their respects and farewelled an “inspiring educator” who embraced the interconnectedness of all life.

His brother Paul Baccanello said Simon's passions for surfing, fishing and ultimately the ocean, was all part of a rich journey to “find his place in the world”.

“They were not driven by a desire to catch a large fish, or to find the epic ride, but instead as a means of contemplation and meditation for inner peace, stillness, and connectedness,” Paul said.

“During his short but rich journey, he searched for his place in the world, a place where a nomad with three thumbs, a silver bullet, a fishing rod, and a surfboard could find his place.”

Paul said they would be forever grateful that he found that place.

Shark attack victim and Elliston Area School teacher Simon Baccanello Picture: 7 NEWS

Sharka attack victim and Elliston Area School teacher Simon Baccanello. Picture: Canggu Community School

“Elliston on the Peninsula. A place where Simon could continue the journey of his life, a healing place where Simon felt accepted and a place which he was truly connected.”

It was there on May 13, at popular surf spot Walkers Rocks, that the Elliston Area School teacher was attacked. Only the wreckage of his surfboard was recovered.

With no body or casket, that board and some of his most treasured items formed the centrepiece of his funeral on Thursday.

His father Hugo Baccanello told family and friends in attendance that he was at peace.

“I spent some time with Simon on the Sunday, I know his peace and he loves you all,” he said.

The overwhelming theme of the fitting farewell for the 46-year-old was that he enjoyed the simple things in life.

His brother said it was infectious.

“We learned to love the simple things … through his example,” he said.

The search at Walkers Rock Beach near Elliston on the Eyre Peninsula after Simon Baccanello was attacked. Picture: Andrew Brooks

But the mark he left on people, stretched far beyond his family and those closest to him. A short tribute video from a beach in Bali – shown at the conclusion of the service – demonstrated the widespread impact of his tragic death.

Dozens of surfers were filmed as they paddled out on the ocean and formed a circle to pay their respects.

The video concluded with a simple farewell message: “May you surf in eternity, Simon. We love you.”

Simon’s sister Lydia Baccanello said Simon had a deep connection to Balinese culture.

“Those who knew Simon during his time in Bali, will have seen a wonderful energy in him, an energy that stemmed from his Italian and Catholic heritage, and that he simply built upon during his time in Bali, which nourished his soul.”

But perhaps the most fitting tribute in Simon’s emotional farewell was a goodbye from the man himself.

A video filmed from an empty beach that featured a fishing line cast into the gentle sea, the sun setting over the ocean and Simon ready to kick back in his favourite deck chair.

He was in his happiest place.

“I’m gonna crack a beer, take a seat and see if I can get the sunset bite,” he said.