The life of ironman Dean Mercer will be remembered at a service on the Gold Coast next week.
Mercer, a Thirroul boy, died on Monday after his car crashed through a fence at Mermaid Waters.
The 47-year-old was on his way home from a regular early-morning training session when he suffered a cardiac arrest behind the wheel.
The memorial service will be held at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre, in Carrara, at noon next Friday.
Surf lifesavers from across Australia have been invited to celebrate Mercer’s action-packed 47 years as one of our greatest ironmen and most-loved lifesavers.
Mercer was a member of six surf clubs – starting at Austinmer and Thirroul, before moving to Maroochydore and Mooloolaba on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
He shifted to the Gold Coast, joining Northcliffe before settling at Kurrawa.
Surf lifesavers have been asked to wear their club caps and uniforms to the service.
In a Facebook tribute, Summer of Surf organisers asked people to live by Mercer’s example.
“Don’t count the days, make the days count,” the post said.
“Dean has not left us, he will never leave us. The spark that ignited his passion for life is the same fire that he left within everyone he touched.”
Meanwhile, the Thirroul surf club will hold an Illawarra service at a later date.
Andrew Pearson
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
