More than 50 clubbies turned up at the hospital to farewell Lee Bowman before he died

BONDI Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club member Lee Bowman has been remembered as a man of integrity and humour who was always smiling and helping around the clubhouse.

Lee Bowman, a legendary Bondi surf lifesaver, who died on January 3.

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YOU only had to look at how many Bondi clubbies turned up at the hospital in Lee Bowman’s dying hours to realise his popularity.

The 59-year-old was rushed to St Vincent’s Hospital on New Year’s Day after he collapsed on Bondi Beach from a stroke, just hours after winning a club swim race.

Two days later, Mr Bowman was given only hours to live.

Surf lifesavers paddle out for Lee Bowman.

More than 50 people gathered by his bedside to say goodbye, some still with sand between their toes.

A nurse was so impressed by the clubbies’ solidarity, she penned them a letter to say she would never forget the day.

“Never in my 15 years of nursing have I ever seen such an amazing group of friends,” she wrote.

“This speaks volume of Lee. He must have been such an amazing man.”

Lee Bowman, a legendary Bondi surf lifesaver.

Lee Bowman with a punching bag.

Mr Bowman died late on January 3 but Jacob Waks, president of the Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club, said he would never be forgotten.

“He was part of the furniture down at the beach,” Mr Waks said.

“If someone walked past the club, they would see him either sitting outside the club or in the club gym.”

Mr Bowman, a personal trainer, joined the surf club in 1989 and was well known throughout the Bondi community.

Lee Bowman taught bronze medallion and fitness classes.

Always smiling, he helped around the clubhouse and regularly taught bronze medallion and fitness classes.

“He never complained,” Mr Waks said.

“He was one of those people who made everyone feel special. He’d always be there for you.”

Long-term friend Michelle Rogers from the Royal Motor Yacht Club of NSW, where Mr Bowman used to work, said he had a rough beginning in England.

“He kind of grew up on the street until a kind man brought him to Australia in 1977,” she said.

“But whatever happened to him in life, he always showed integrity and humour.”

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Ms Rogers said Bondi clubbies were his family and he would be missed by all.

Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club will celebrate Mr Bowman’s life at a service on January 22 at 3pm.

Anyone who knew him is welcomed to attend.