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Hundreds gather for paddle out at Clifton Beach to farewell surfer Tim Lawrence

SURFERS from many walks of life have joined hands in the waters off Clifton Beach in honour of Tim Lawrence, who tragically lost his life last weekend.

The paddle out at Clifton Beach for jetskier Tim Lawrence who died last weekend. Tim’s father Michael, centre, holds Tim’s ashes aloft. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE
The paddle out at Clifton Beach for jetskier Tim Lawrence who died last weekend. Tim’s father Michael, centre, holds Tim’s ashes aloft. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

SURFERS from many walks of life have joined hands in the waters off Clifton Beach in honour of Tim Lawrence, who tragically lost his life last weekend.

Mr Lawrence had his life cut short following a jet ski accident early on Sunday morning while on a camping trip at Little Chinaman’s Bay, south of Marion Bay.

MORE: MATES VOW THEY WILL KEEP ON SURFING

Tim Lawrence. Picture: Facebook
Tim Lawrence. Picture: Facebook

The 32-year-old was honoured with a packed service at the Clifton Beach Surf Lifesaving Club on Friday, where around 300 family and friends spilt out of the building.

They spoke of Mr Lawrence as a master of his own destiny, a lover of surf, a brother, friend and a mentor.

MORE: DODGES FERRY MAN DIES ON JET SKI

Girlfriend Katelyn Williams bravely spoke and thanked him for all their adventures and memories, from camping to surfing trips.

“I hope the surf up there is amazing,” she said. “I can’t wait to see you up there my love.”

Others spoke of how Mr Lawrence grew up surrounded by love and that he would live on through everyone he touched.

Michael Lawrence and Kateyln Williams walk through a guard of honour as they make their way to the water for the paddle out. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE
Michael Lawrence and Kateyln Williams walk through a guard of honour as they make their way to the water for the paddle out. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

Following the service, a guard of honour was set up along the beach for Mr Lawrence’s father Mick and Ms Williams, who led a paddle out of about 100 surfers in celebration of his life.

Mr Lawrence and Ms Williams then scattered his ashes into Clifton’s famous surf.

A crowd-funding page to help the family has raised $20,000 since it was set up on Sunday.

Tim Lawrence’s mother Robyn, centre, is comforted by a mourner. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE
Tim Lawrence’s mother Robyn, centre, is comforted by a mourner. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/news/tasmania/hundreds-gather-for-paddle-out-at-clifton-beach-to-farewell-surfer-tim-lawrence/news-story/762f1edb2e97e4400f330ce99b2c5152