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For all the areas where champion ironman Dean Mercer excelled, it was his role as a father which his widow believes he'll be remembered most for.
The 47-year-old Thirroul boy was farewelled in front of a huge crowd of mourners on the Gold Coast on Friday, two weeks after his sudden death from heart attack.
A two-time national ironman champion Mercer, alongside his brother Darren, became a household name for his exploits in the surf lifesaving arena in the 1980s and 90s.
But for all his sporting exploits, Mercer’s wife Reen told the gathered collection of family, friends, former competitors and surf lifesaving clubmates, his four sons were his greatest achievement.
“He gave me four beautiful, amazing, kind boys ... I'm so grateful to him for them,” she said.
“Of all the things we'll miss, the one that will be missed the most is the look on our boys’ faces when he came home.
“Family was always his number one priority.”
Reen told the crowd Dean’s “huge heart" was what he was known for and it was “ironic, yet somehow fitting” that when that heart stopped, so did his life.
Olympians Brooke Hanson and Ky Hurst were among the crowd at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre, while swimming legend Dawn Fraser provided a written tribute which was read out in the service.
Dozens of past and present stars of the surf lifesaving community also attended including Hayley Bateup, Guy Leech and Courtney Hancock.
A video tribute to Mercer’s ironman career, including his iconic 1995 national championship win on the finish line ahead of Trevor Hendy, highlighted the athlete who gave his all with a trademark cheeky smile.
An oar presented to Mercer when he was inducted into the ironman hall of fame lay in front of his flower-topped coffin, which was carried from the venue by his brother, father John, uncle Jeff, eldest son Brayden as well as friends Trent Morgan and Adam Moate.
The coffin was led down steps flanked by various surf lifesaving club flags in a guard of honour – a final salute to a man who made the sport his own.
AAP
RIP Stumpy Evan Thomas, Bulli
Rest in peace Dean. Sending our condolences to family and friends. Our prayers are with you at this sad time. Bennie family, Balgownie
A true legend and inspiration to so many gone to soon Anthony Newbery, Bridgeman Downs
Dean was my training partner with Ron McKeon in the late 90's. He was the inspiration for my swimming career which pushed me onto the international scene and a Commonwealth Games Gold medal. Your lessons in motivation and pure determination shaped me into the international athlete I was and the person I am today. Nearly 6hrs on from learning of his passing; I'm still in shock however so thankful of the friendship and the lessons learnt from one of the greatest athletes of our time. Condolences to your Reen, the boys and your extended family. I'll miss seeing your friendly face at Aussies next year. Rest in peace. You are a true legend! Jason Cram, Woonona
I remember when Darren and Dean were doing laps at Austi pool while John and the Austinmer Otters were having their winter swims. That would have been 35 years ago I guess. My condolences to the family at this tragic time. Alyn Vincent, Thirroul
Christchurch oh my god so sad Shirlette Williams, Christchurch
I grew up seeing the Mercer boys on the back (and front!) page of the Mercury every weekend in summer. They were part of the Wollongong furniture. I remember when Dean came of age, eclipsing Darren, it was history in the making. Dean was the quintessential local hero and will be always. My condolences to all Dean's family and friends. Claudia, North Wollongong
To the Mercer Family, Deans wife & boys, thinking of you all at this very sad difficult time, how quickly someone can be taken away from us. Amanda, Corrimal
Rip dean your were a great champion and will be sadly missed my sincere condolences to his family fly high mate x Dannielle rath, Port Kembla
You will be missed Dean Thinking of your family gone to soon Judeth and Michael Mcdon, Woonona
My deep condolences to Deans family. We have all lost an Illawarra icon George Pastrovic, Mt Warrigal
The 80's and 90's were all about Dean and Darren and Crowy and Clayto. Such incredible competitors. And as a proud Illawarrian the Iron Man series was a must-watch and made all that much better with a Wollongong bloke on the podium. Vale Dean. Far too young to go. A tough and tenacious player leaving behind an incredible legacy. His kids should be proud and grow up knowing what a great sportsman he was. My thoughts go to the family. Rest in Peace, Dean Ted Hanson, Wollongong
so sorry rip gone to young renee johnstone, woonona
Everyone in thirroul knew dean as our golden boy of the ocean ,he was a beautiful man inside and out . . He was the epitome of being healthy ,active and happy . Would always take the time to say hello to everyone and never without a smile . Broken hearted for his wife , boys , brother Darren , sister Kylie and his mum and dad . Sending love and light to you all on a life cut way too short. Bianca Kent, Thirroul
You were an inspiration,gentleman and true champion. RIP Deano Mark Wallace, Helensburgh
An Absolute Champion Of The Sport, Loving Father Who Did Anything for Anyone, Was One Never To Give Up In The Sport He Loved, An Illawarra Product Who Will Be Sadly Missed By All Vale Dean Mercer R.I.P Mark Osborn, Mount Warrigal
Thoughts with the Mercer families....Troy Smolenaars, Horsley
Our love and condolences to a beautiful family who has lost such a wonderful man Rip Dean forever riding the waves xxxxx Sharon Wright Breda, Towradgi
Sending my deepest sympathy to your tragic loss. Words won't bring Dean back. But your memories will live forever. Julie McIvor, Figtree
RIP Deano. Dean scott, Woonona
terrible news and condolences to the family. Whetton family, Wollongong
A father, son, brother and legend taken too soon from this earth. Condolences to the Mercer family and his boys, a greater man you could not have had as a dad. Michael Zoetmulder, Port Elizabeth, south Africa
Champion God bless. Vince, Wollongong
What an absolute tragedy. Life is horribly unpredictable and random. So so sorry his passing. Kelly Davis, Fairy Meadow
A true champion. Gone to soon. RIP Dean, You'll be greatly missed x Loz, Fairy Meadow
Taken so young. RIP our local Legend. Lisa Burns, Lake Heights
Very sad news Dean was taken way to early thoughts with Al the Mercer family back home in thirroul. Pete Broadhead, Mackay
My husband Cade and I trained with Dean and raced Dean over the years. An amazing competitor but also a really genuine bloke. Very sad. You will be missed. Trudi Barnes, Fairy Meadow
Will be sadly missed. Kay Slade, Miador
done well ole son. smuts, mooloolaba / wollongong city
What a champion he was. My sons grew up watching you race you were an inspiration to a lot of little boys. Condolences to Reen and family. Taken to soon RIP. Bob Dahl, D'aguilar
What a champion he was. My sons grew up watching you race you were an inspiration to a lot of little boys. Condolences to Reen and family. Taken to soon RIP. The Dahl Family, Central Coast
well done ole son, ciao. jeff "smuts" smith, mooloolaba / wollongong city
I first met you Dean at Thirroul Beach, when I was with some Mercury photographers back in the late 1980's you were a champion then and still are. It is a huge shock that such a great guy has been lost to heaven so soon. May you Rest In Peace. My condolences to Reen, your boys and Mercer family. Sean Richards ( born Sean McRae), Wollongong City
RIP Dean you gave us so much enjoyment watching in all the Ironman events over the years. Best wishes to your beautiful family. Bev, Port Macquarie
You will be missed dearly cuz. Leanne Mercer, Qld
Growing up in the Gong during the 80's and 90's we lived and breathed sun, surf and those awesome Mercer boys .. much love and peace to your beautiful family 💖 Michelle, Belconnen, ACT
So sorry gone to young love to all family. Sue Reynolds Picton, Woonona
Such a tragic loss. My love and prayers to Reen and Dean's family. Tracy, Mareeba
R.I.P Dean Mercer.grew up watching you and your brother darren in the nutrigrain ironman series.taken way too soon.thoughts are with the family ❤❤ Glenn, Fraser coast
Legend RIP. Kate Dancaster, Mentone Vic
condolence to family and friends , rest in peace. les and sharyan horvat primbee nsw
A true sporting champion in every aspect and a truly great individual. That cheeky grin and laugh, plenty of fond memories. Condolences to Reen & boys and the whole Mercer family and friends. RIP champ. Nigel Dobell, Bermagui
Nutri Grain, iron man and the Mercers. You had a smile as big as your heart. RIP. Loretta Cuda, Shellharbour
rest easy Dean xx Chez inverell (former gong)
Used to see you train hard all the time back in the day around thirroul Bulli and Woonona with your brother. Such a amazing athlete. Thoughts are with the family and friends down here and up the Gold Coast. Test in peace Legend keep riding the wave. Craig Aldred, Fairy meadow
CONDOLENCES TO THE MERCER FAMILY, LOVE AND FOND MEMORIES WILL LIVE ON . WE ARE SO VERY SAD. The Boreland family xoxo Rowena Boreland, Wollongong
You and your bro were Aussie Icons... we loved watching you compete. "Now catching waves forever" RIP Dean. Wendy Lennon, Bakewell
So sorry to hear that. Fesse, N.wollongong
Our thoughts are with you. Mary, Shellharbour
Sorry to hear about your brother. Dean my thoughts and prayers Are with you and your family at this very hard time. RIP DEAN. Robert Allen, Newcastle
Sending my condolences to the Mercer family. Michelle Jones, Shellharbour
RIP so sad. paul cole, cordeaux heights
Loved nothing more than watching the mercer brothers when i was growing up will be sadly missed. Shel, Dapto
My condolences to the family. It was always great fun to race against both Dean and Darren in the pool. Mark Fraser, Helensburgh
RIP and know you will be greatly missed. Penny, Wodonga
You were a superstar and todays illawarra lifesavers still look up at your outstanding achievements and you are their hero. Karyn Holmesby, East Corrimal
my condolences to a good friend and feirce competitor.you will allways be in our memories.r.i.p old friend untill we meet again on that crested wave.all my love to your beautifil family. glenn butler, thirroul
What a local legend. burns family, bulli
The Mercer brothers were up with the likes of Kenny,Hendy and Leech bringing main stream exposure to iron man racing and surf lifesaving RIP Dean. Russ Needham, Palm beach
Our thoughts are with Dean's family ..Forever proud of one of Illawarra's finest athletes. Ryan FamIly, Dapto
What a sad day for a gifted spirit. You will be missed. DANNI, Griffin
Deepest Condolences to his Family and Friends. Katrina Lyth, Thirroul
Dean you were a tenacious competitor. Fond memories of the years at Mckeon Swim squad especially the morning of the lost clothing bin & the ensuing dress up!! Hysterical!! Sympathy & condolences to all the family. Xxx Robbie Harrison, Woonona
RIP DEAN, YOU WERE A TRUE LEGEND IN AND OUT OF THE WATER. I STILL REMEMBER ALL THOSE DAYS SURFING WITH YOU AND DARREN AT AUSTINMER. YOU MADE ALL OF US LAUGH.,YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN MATE. PASSING ON MY CONDOLENCES TO ALL THE MERCER FAMILY. KEEP CATCHING THOSE BIG WAVES DEANO. Marty Wilton, Austinmer
Thoughts to the Family at this Sad Time. Suzanne, Port Macquarie
To the all the Mercer Family here and interstate, we were extremely saddened to hear the news of Deans unexpected passing. Both our families have a long history with your family with our close ties with both Bulli and Thirroul Surf Life Saving Clubs. Your grit, determination and will to win in the water and your scally wag personality and friendly smile out will be missed and you will be forever be in our hearts. Sending our sincere condolences. xx Paul and Dana Jones, Bulli
Our thoughts are with you Reen and family. Dean was a great Australian lad. Leanne, Killara Vic
Sorry to hear. Rip. Will, Woonona
So sad and so sorry that you had to leave your beautiful family way too soon. RIP Dean. Leanne, Austinmer
To John, Maureen and the entire Mercer family. On behalf of the Miller family (Wave Street) our thoughts prayers and hearts go out to you all at this tragic time. Jeff & Robyn Miller, West Wollongong
Deano -great growing up with you at Thirroul Surf Club since we were kids.Our family had many good times together. I remember seeing you everyday day on the Holy Spirit school bus going past Bulli bus stop you always had your cheeky smile on that beautiful face of yours. Sadly missed but will always be remembered. Love the Hickey Family.xoxo The Hickey Family, Bulli
Such a shock, rest in peace Dean, sincere sympathy, love and prayers to his loved ones and families ❤️❤️❤️ Janine de Rooze, Strathfieldsaye
Vania and I were devastated to learn of your loss. You made the Illawarra and our region proud. You were an inspiration to all with your love and good humour. You made me so proud with your endorsement when I was Lord Mayor of the city. Thank you of all that you gave to our city. My deep love and deep condolences to Deans family. George and Vania HARRISON, Wollongong
So sad to hear a true legend and inspiration to so many R.I.P Xavier, Thirroul
Dean was my hero growing up in Wollongong. He will be sadly missed. He has left a great legacy for the world. Thinking of his family during this horrendous time. RIP. Maggie Francic, Hervey Bay
Great Champion,a special talent for determined effort,shared a lot of special memories over many years,vale Dean,will treasure the memories. John Hansen, Kingscliff NSW
My thoughts are with your family. andrew haynes (kuiper), tumbarumba
My deepest sympathy to all of the mercer families. Admired dean and Darren's dedication to surf life saving and ironman journeys. I'm sure the McKeon family like many others would be devastated .. And old wollongong girl will remember with great respect of deans journey. Hope all his fantastic support team rally like nothing to make sure his family are continually loved and supported. Lea ayliffe, Deniliquin nsw
In the late eighties I met Dean & Darren Mercer and was fortunate to do a photo essay on them at Thirroul Beach when I was a freelance photographer and journalist. Dean buzzed with energy and vitality. I will try to locate the photos I took and post them on FB soon. May his Spirit guide his beautiful wife and boys always. Amen. Alison Jane Rice Hills-Johnes, Leura Blue Mountains & Redhead
RIP Dean. My deepest condolences to your family and friends. Angela, Figtree
To the Mercer family, I am very sorry to have heard the sad news on Monday morning, he will always be with you at all times. xo Amanda, Corrimal
Gone too soon RIP Dean. Joy Prowd, Alexandra Headland
RIP mate u will always be in the memory of all who support surf life saving. Mark Okeefe
Gone so soon a real champion you will be missed rip Dean Mercer. Dianne Bronson, Figtree
RIP champion. Andrew barber, Thirroul
Wow. Shocked is an understatement. Remember so well the accomplishments of the Mercer boys in and out of the surf throughout the 90's. Dean Mercer - what a fantastic athlete and champion bloke. Thoughts to his family. David, Toronto, Canada
So sad to hear such a fit young man dying so young RIP. Steven Bakopoulos, Ashcroft