But, in the ocean under a bright blue sky is exactly where Isaac Ryan would have wanted everyone to be. 

Isaac, known affectionately as ‘Izzy’ to those close to him, died on January 18 following a dissecting aortic aneurysm. He was 26.

Prior to his death, the popular Bulli boy had been surfing at Austinmer when he got chest and jaw pain that moved down his arms. 

He was later diagnosed with pericarditis – or inflammation of the tissue that surrounds the heart.

On Monday, hundreds of people packed into the Sandon Point Surf Life Saving Club to remember a man described as “one of a kind”, one who epitomised the Aussie sentiment of “being a good bloke”.

“He was just a bloody good, honest, genuine bloke,” civil celebrant Mick Bourke told the gathering. 

There was standing room only as mourners spilled out the clubhouse doors and onto the surrounding balcony.

This wasn’t your typical funeral – gone was the formal attire, in favour of thongs, boardies and other beachwear. It’s how Isaac would have wanted it. 

The 80-minute service heard stories from Isaac’s parents, his family and friends – who shared tales of a prankster with a smile that could “light up a room”.

“He was always the life of the party,” brother Josh said.

“He’d be going out all night with his mates and he’d wake up broke, but money didn’t seem to bother him – as long as he had his board and there were waves he had everything sorted.”

Those memories of happier times were tinged with the sadness of a young man who was “too full of life to be taken so soon”.

Among that sadness was when Isaac’s mum, Frances, explained how she had held him in her arms during his final moments.

Frances also shared how Isaac’s dad Anthony, a paramedic, had worked desperately to revive him.

“If he was meant to be alive, he would be alive for what his father did for him. But, Isaac never came back to us from the time he died in our arms,” she said.   

At the conclusion of the funeral, Isaac’s family and friends paddled out into the surf – a nod to his love of surfing and one final tribute. 

As individual frangipani flowers drifted back to the beach, the group formed a large circle – cheering, clapping and splashing the water. 

Many of Isaac’s mates were shirtless; their boardies worn down low and underwear visible.

Earlier the service was told that’s how Isaac liked to dress. Again, he wouldn’t have wanted to be farewelled in any other way. 

RIP mate my thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends at this sad time. Morgan Quirk, Lake Illawarra 

Loved by so many in his community, he will be dearly missed. Ebony, Scarborough 

Your smile, heart, kind soul and infectious laugh will never be forgotten. Taken too soon, fly high Isaac ❤️ ​Claudia Kilminster, Thirroul 

You touched so many people's lifes in the short time you were on earth. Your spirt will always live on. R.I.P. Isaac xxx Paul & Sue Heyman, Russell Vale

Rest in peace. Taken too soon. Condolences to his family and friends. Renata, Mt Ousley 

Always in our hearts you are sadly missed. Mel, Koonawarra

My first job at Pizza Hut was welcomed with a big hug. You taught me the ropes of making pizza and then .... sculling a beer bong. RIP Isaac. Fly high x Ashleigh Charlesworth, Towradgi

RIP bud so sad taken way to soon. Belinda, Dapto

Your infectious laugh and smile will not be forgotten. Thank you for being one of the good guys. Rest in peace Izzy. xo Rachel, Scarborough

Always Loved Never Forgotten Sending our deepest condolences To Francis Tony and family xx Love The McDuff Family xx Mcduff, Bulli

I am so sorry to hear Joe. David Scott, Evans Head

RIP young man! ❤ Ashleigh Gillroy, Thirroul

R.I.P IZZY ISAAC RYAN. 2516. Forever loved and missed. Forever Young. Forever surfing the waves. Forever at the point xoxoxoxo sending all the love i have in me to your family mate. fly high IZZ :"( Angel, Woonona

Condolence to family RIP izzy great young boy taken to soon. Tracey, Woonona

Sad to see such a young man taken away so early , I was thinking off him and his family as he passed on my birthday. Jackson Lawrence, Thirroul

I worked with Fraces, it was emotional see you with your board going into the water, it was beautiful, sorry for your and family loss, RIP Issac. Gilda Perez, Bulli

My thoughts are with your family at this sad time. RIP Izzy. Debbie Crossley, Dapto

My heart is breaking for you all, be free Isaac. All my love to Fran, Tony & Family xxxxx Sharon Wilkinson, Bulli

Dear Izzy, You brought the community together. Never forget you xx Rhiannon Garlick, South Hurstville

So young, gone to soon... REST IN PEACE young blood. Daniel Huhu, Bulli

RIP Isaac, too soon. Hopkins family, Bulli

Thoughts are with you Anthony and Frances in this deeply sad time. Paul Blain, Maleny, QLD

Fran, Anthony & family what a beautiful tribute and send off for a darling son taken too early. Condolences to your loving family. Jan and Bill Williams, Wagga Wagga

Sad to hear about the news Franny. Thinking of you and your family at this moment of grief. Thoughts and prayers for Izzy. May he rest in peace. Michael Ian Santillan, Corrimal

God bless you. Tracy Collings Low, North Wollongong

Forever young...Rest in peace buddy. Rosemary and Mark, Bulli

Joe and Fran we are sorry to hear such tragic news. Drew and Rhona, Lake Conjola

You can't stop the future. You can't rewind the past. Everybody you came in contact with, those memories for them will last. Forever in their hearts. Death ends a life, not a relationship. He has embraced many and all kinds. Love is how you stay alive, even after you're gone. For Isaac and everybody who shared his heart. Julia, Woonona

A life taken too soon. Rest among the waves and forever swim with the dolphins. Jacky, Berkeley