Tributes for popular Carlton Beach surf lifesaver Sean McCarthy
SEAN McCarthy is being remembered by family and friends as a “knockabout” bloke who could have a conversation with the Queen or anyone on the street.
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SEAN McCarthy is being remembered by family and friends as a “knockabout” bloke who could have a conversation with the Queen or anyone on the street.
Mr McCarthy, of Dodges Ferry, passed away last week at the age of 54 following a short battle with pancreatic cancer.
His funeral was held at Blundstone Arena on Sunday, with more than 1000 people in attendance. His son Aaron and sister Marcelle Bowden spoke in his honour.
The avid surfer was remembered by former St Virgil’s classmates, fellow Carlton Park Surf Lifesaving Club members and Triabunna District School teachers as well as family and friends.
Following the funeral, about 200 of Mr McCarthy’s fellow surfers took part in a “paddle-out” led by his son Aaron. The idea was organised by Carlton Park and the Park Beach surf riders.
Aaron said everyone formed a circle as he spoke about his dad before they caught a “party wave” together as a tribute.
“It was a really touching moment ... the club meant a great deal to dad,” Aaron said.
“Dad through his chaotic ways captured everyone’s hearts. As a father he was a great mentor to me.”
In January 1998 Mr McCarthy was also awarded the Commendation for Brave Conduct by Queen Elizabeth II after undertaking the attempted rescue of four people near the mouth of Carlton River after they became caught in a rip. He rescued two of the swimmers.
Brother-in-law Steve Bowden said Mr McCarthy helped kickstart Carlton Park’s iconic Nippers surf program and establish other surf clubs up the East Coast. He was also a teacher at Triabunna for 10 years.
“He wasn’t a judgmental person, just a knockabout bloke,” Mr Bowden said.
“He could talk to the Queen and to anyone else on the street, he just related to so many people.”
Mr McCarthy is survived by his sons Matthew and Aaron, his sister Marcelle and other close family and friends.
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