Dean Leigh-Smith funeral: Mourners pay respect to former director of Gold Coast City Marina at Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters

Gold Coast marine pioneer Dean Leigh-Smith has been remembered for “changing the industry” as mourners gathered to honour his “huge” legacy.

MARINE pioneer Dean Leigh-Smith has been remembered for “changing the industry” as mourners gathered to honour his “huge” legacy.

Mr Leigh-Smith’s passed away earlier this month after a long-term health struggle.

Family and friends gathered at the Sacred Heart Church at Clear Island Waters on Monday for his funeral, praising his “mentorship”, “love of life” and “an unbreakable work ethic”.

Funeral for Dean Leigh-Smith, Gold Coast marine industry icon, at Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters. Picture: Glenn Hampson

The businessman was a former director of the internationally renowned Gold Coast City Marina and later formed luxury yacht company Leigh-Smith Yachts with brother Ryan.

The Leigh-Smith name has been synonymous with the Gold Coast’s marine industry for over four decades.

Mr Leigh-Smith passed away on November 3 after a long health struggle. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Ryan Leigh-Smith described his brother as his “closest friend and beautiful brother”.

“I am so proud of what we built together ... but Dean’s greatest achievement was his family,” he said.

Widow Sarah Leigh-Smith comforted at the funeral. Picture Glenn hampson

Mr Leigh-Smith said wife Sarah and children Jake and Stella were Dean’s “whole world”.

“Dean was instrumental in creating a buzz and with the launch of the Gold Coast Marine Expo at the height of the GFC, he really changed the industry,” he said.

A note from Mr Leigh-Smith’s parents read: “Your unbreakable work ethic never went unnoticed. The world will never be the same without our Deano.

“You left a huge mark on the world and the legacy you left behind is enormous,” the note read.

“You were a wonderful and caring husband to Sarah and a devoted father to Jake and Stella, as well as a best friend and brother to Ryan.”

Friend Jo said Deano would help anyone in a crowd in “any room or on any boat” and was one to “always include everyone”.

A guard of honour at the funeral. Picture: Glenn hampson

He said Mr Leigh-Smith was one of the early supporters for sailor Jessica Watson ahead of her solo global circumnavigation attempt in 2009, and that she was “gutted” to not have been able to attend the funeral.