John Koda’s family pays tribute to the talented surfer and beloved father and husband

The grieving family and friends of Caloundra’s John Koda have paid tribute to the chatty and popular surfer who loved life with a memorial and a paddle out.

The death of a chatty and talented surfer and beloved family man has sent shockwaves through the community as his family speaks out about the “surreal” loss.

Family and friends are mourning the loss of Caloundra man John Koda, 58, after his sudden death on April 1, 2022.

They gathered at the weekend at one of his favourite spots, Moffat Beach, for a memorial and paddle out in his memory.

He is survived by wife of 38 years Paula, daughters Gemma, 20, and Kristy, 39, and grandchildren Mahli, 1 and Lyla, 6.

His family is determined his legacy is one of fighting for injustices and always having time for others.

Mrs Koda said she hoped his death would encourage others, particularly men, to speak up about their emotions.

She said anyone who knew John was “absolutely shocked” by his death, after he took his own life.

The family has requested donations to the Black Dog Institute and raised more than $5000.

Paula, a celebrant, said three days earlier he told her he felt “sad and flat”.

“(The night before) I had done a ceremony at Sandstone Point … and we had photos at the pier and a lovely dinner,” Paula said.

“We took our very first successful selfie.

“Everything was fine.

“It’s so surreal we’re here.”

The family has spent mornings at the beach watching sunrise with the “Neil St crew” mourning the loss of the friendly windsurfer.

Mrs Koda said her husband loved his family and looked forward to teaching his grandson how to surf.

He was also an advocate who campaigned for safer workplace conditions for airport firefighters due to their exposure to poly-fluoroalkyl substance (PFAS), which puts them at a higher risk of prostate cancer.

Mr Koda retired in October 2021, after spending more than 30 years in the industry.

He also spent several years fighting for justice for elder financial abuse.

Mrs Koda said she would continue his efforts.

“He fought for other people’s injustices,” she said.

John Koda pictured with his family Gemma, Paula, Lyla, Kristy and Tom.

“He was always conscious of standing up for his work colleagues to protect them and look out for them in regards to the exposure of PFAS.”

Mrs Koda said the outpouring of support had been “very comforting”.

“He was a man of very high integrity and the most generous smile I’ve ever seen,” she said.

“He would give the shirt off his back to anyone, but usually he wasn’t wearing one.”

His youngest daughter Gemma has taken to the water most days determined to catch one good wave for her dad.

Some days she has been wearing her dad’s strap-on surf hat.

“He used to wear that hat, it was so embarrassing,” Gemma said.

“I always told him I’d never wear it.

“You won dad, every day I’ve brought a flower down the beach each morning to catch one good wave for you.

“I think he’d like that.”

Gemma said she would remember their many morning surf checks which always took longer than expected so her dad could chat to everyone.

She said he was the “smartest, funniest, kindest and most generous and embarrassing” person.

“He was everything you could want in a dad,” she said.

“I’ve never met anyone who loved life more than him.

“He would say what beautiful music, scenery, food.

“There was so much passion and vibrancy to everything he did.”

The family moved from Morayfield to Caloundra in 1997 to enjoy a beachside lifestyle.

Mr Koda was one of five children and had a close bond with his older brother Paul.

“As parents and in schools and our general community we need to be speaking about how to manage the daily stresses of life and that if you can’t solve something, it’s OK,” Mrs Koda said.

“We’re not learning that.

“It’s getting better but they don’t know what the signs are, and neither do we.

“If someone says to you they’re not feeling well, and you can see they have changed in character then you can’t delay.”

If you or someone you know needs help please call Lifeline on 131 144.