HUNTER man Luke Smith, who died after his boat capsized in Lake Macquarie, was to be farewelled at a funeral on Thursday.
The 23-year-old fisherman was described as a "beautiful boy" by his father David Smith, with his life to be celebrated by family and friends in Macquarie Hills on August 1.
There was an outpouring of grief from the Hunter community after the long search for Luke's body came to an end on July 18. Emergency services and local volunteers had been canvassing the lake since the July 6 incident when Luke and three friends were thrown from a small boat in the Swansea Channel just before 8pm.
Three of the men, aged in their 20s, made it back to shore as witnesses jumped into the water to help, but Luke was lost in the water.
It's understood that Luke heroically tried to help one of his mates get to shore before he disappeared and his loyal character has been something remembered by many friends and family members as they lay him to rest.
"We wanted the world for you with your uncanny natural talent at anything you applied yourself to," a loved one wrote in a tribute on social media leading up to the funeral service.
"You had more brains than you let on and the amazing ability to bring people together from any and all walks of life.
"You wore your heart on your sleeve and had an undying loyalty to your friends/family. You stood up for what you believed in and never backed down.
"You were a protector of those that needed the help. I love you Luke - I'll see ya in the next life."
