Known for his love of the ocean and happy disposition, Jon had a smile for everyone he met and was a familiar figure on the Northern Beaches, his flowing silver mane of hair earning him the nickname ‘The Silver Surfer’.

A popular teachers’ aide at Sandy Beach Primary School, Jon is survived by his children Jodie, Jamie and Jacob, grandson Lucas, partner Isabelle and the children’s mother Jenny.

There was a ‘paddle out’ in Jon’s honour at Emerald Beach on Sunday morning, with about 140 local surfers setting out on their boards to pay their respects and gather in their grief.

Jon’s memorial service was held beachside at Emerald Beach Reserve on Tuesday, with an estimated 700 people in attendance to bid him farewell.