THE Far South Coast community on Saturday said farewell to local longboard legend and restaurateur Ian Hockey of Tuross Head.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
About 120 people paddled out at One-Tree Point to watch Ian Hockey’s children, Sarah, Joshua and Aaron scatter their father’s ashes over the water at one of Ian’s favourite surfing spots.
Hundreds of people also lined the headland to watch the paddle-out in celebration of Ian’s life.
After his ashes had been cast on the ocean, two pods of humpback whales swam around headland and frolicked in the sea as if to honour Ian and his love of the ocean.
Afterwards several hundred people returned to Tuross Head Country Club where the Hockey family had organised a comprehensive slide show and video show of Ian’s life along with some of Ian’s surfing memorabilia.
After a spit barbecue luncheon prepared by the Hockey family, people were invited to share their stories of Ian. Among the speakers were master of ceremonies and good friend of Ian’s, Kirk Willcox media director for Surf Aid, former editor of Trax magazine and Ian’s friend for more than 30 years.
Former editor of Surfing World magazine and former publisher of Australian Longboarder magazine, Bruce Channon spoke of the first time he met Ian Hockey and the smell of the rum flavoured tobacco that Ian smoked.
Ian’s long-time friend local musician and artist Pete Markham, spoke of Ian’s love of telling jokes then proceeded to pull everyone’s leg.