Family and friends travelled from along the East Coast to pay tribute to one-time Black Head Beach surfer, Danny Watt last week, Friday, July 3, who died from lung cancer in June.
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As a fitting tribute to the 63-year-old, Danny was farewelled with a paddle-out at Black Head Beach followed by a memorial service celebrating his life at the surf life saving club.
A large group of friends and family paddled out into the surf to spread his ashes and leave floral tributes.
Danny was born in Taree and grew up surfing the Mid North Coast, particularly Blackhead and Saltwater where he was signed to Bob Brown Surfboards' team and taking out a handful of regional age comps.
After completing his secondary school education at Taree High School Danny married and settled in Diamond Beach where he and former wife Debbie raised three children, Kirra, Kyle and Taren.
One of the best travelled surfers in the world, Danny toured the globe looking for waves, and spent a year living in Hawaii with his young family.
Following the birth of his only grandson, Danny continued on to surf in Florida, LA, Costa Rica, Morocco and the Netherlands.
He'd lived life to the fullest and it took its toll on him, but he was a humble, non-judgmental man who immediately enhanced all our lives
- Craig Johnson
Danny was no stranger to illness and life threatening incidents, and was known as 'nine lives' by family and close friends.
He survived his first major accident surfing off Blackhead Point where he spent a month in hospital.
Danny had been fighting cancer for several years and had recovered well from recent radiation; but sadly the disease returned.
A member and vice-president of the Noosa Malibu Club, Danny was described as a stylish longboarder, and one of the most popular and hardworking club members.
"People saw something in Danny that we all aspired to," former club president and friend Craig Johnson said.
"He'd lived life to the fullest and it took its toll on him, but he was a humble, non-judgmental man who immediately enhanced all our lives."
Last year Danny was honoured as clubman of the year.
His legacy will be celebrated on the South Coast and Queensland in coming weeks.
Danny is survived by wife Zoe, his three children and thousands of surfing mates.
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