Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron member Andy Heard farewelled at moving service
Well known Cairns yachtsman Andy Heard has been remembered as a gentle soul with a thirst for adventure who lived life to the full and “who has a special place in everyone’s hearts”.
Cairns
Don't miss out on the headlines from Cairns. Followed categories will be added to My News.
WELL known Cairns yachtsman Andrew Jack Heard has been remembered as a gentle soul with a thirst for adventure who lived life to the full and “who has a special place in everyone’s hearts”.
Family, friends and members of the Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron came together on Saturday to pay tribute and celebrate the life of Mr Heard, affectionately known as Andy, after he went missing at Hinchinbrook Island on February 11.
Mr Heard, 69, had been sailing the area with partner Erica Lang on board their vessel, Shiraz, before he took a smaller boat to go fishing.
A 4.2m crocodile was believed to be responsible for Mr Heard’s death after human remains were found inside it.
In a moving tribute, Ms Lang said her partner of 15 years was “my hero, my rock and my everything”.
“He was a gentle soul. He loved mother nature so much and nothing would stop the old soul from going fishing,” she said.
“Andy believed also that when you take something out of the ocean, you’ve got to give something back. Keep things in balance. He looked after the weak animals.”
Ms Lang recalled their many adventures together that included visiting many islands “that others can only dream about”.
“We battled storms together. We embraced life, the freedom at sea and the beauty around us in the time we had together,” she said.
“The day he disappeared … his mind was set on fish for dinner. He left me with a wave, a smile on his sun-tanned radiant face and a twinkle in his eyes.”
Ms Lang said those who knew him now “must live on without him”.
“Andy has a special place in everyone’s hearts. The void he’s leaving is enormous — deeper than any ocean.”
One of Mr Heard’s sons, Jack Heard, recalled memories of his father as a boat builder and “master craftsman”.
“Dad was an adventurous and at times outspoken Australian larrikin who loved to argue the point and push the boundaries,” Jack said.
“He just said what he thought … this was one of the things we loved about him because you’ll always hear exactly what he thought of you.
“Don’t be sad that dad has died. I’ve never heard of someone else living a fuller life than our father Andy.”
Jack said his father valued family and love in life over anything else.
“Dad getting in cancer in 2009 was a blessing in disguise in some ways,” he said.
“It taught him what was most important in life. It’s not houses and cars, it’s about family, love and experiences. Getting back to nature and being immersed in the beauty of the world.
“We’re so lucky he was able to share those beliefs with us.
Jack also thanked the emergency services and individuals who devoted their time and effort to the search in early February.
MORE NEWS
Forgotten power plant hidden under Barron Falls
In memory: Far Northerners we farewelled in 2020
‘An aircraft just crashed’: 45 years on from tragedy
Tim Heard, one of Andy’s six siblings, who travelled from Brisbane, told stories about his fond memories growing up in western Brisbane before Andy left for the tropics.
“Andrew was always pushing the limits and daring to go one step further,” Tim said as he spoke about the siblings riding bikes, fishing in the Brisbane River and playing cricket in the streets.
“Thanks for so many amazing times. We’ll keep you in our hearts and our minds,” he said.
In a statement last week, police said they were assisting the coroner with an investigation.
Originally published as Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron member Andy Heard farewelled at moving service
Far North MPs use chainsaw to flag possible deep cuts to public sector
A full throttle assault on a mock sign may seem like a joke but Member for Cairns Michael Healy insists he’s deadly serious about keeping public assets and jobs in the Far North.
Alleged train rock attack teen was out on bail
A teen who was out on bail after allegedly launching stones at cars with a slingshot has made another bid for bail after being charged with fracturing a five-year-old boy’s head with a “tennis ball-sized” rock.