One of the founders of the Fingal Beach Surf Life Saving Club 50 years ago, he dedicated his life to his community and family.

Surrounded by his family and loved ones, the 93-year-old died in his sleep at Bill King Aged Care home on Friday, June 27.

He is survived by sons Dave and Robert Karlson and three grandchildren, Niki Hennessey and Kristen and Ben Karlson.

"Norm was far from perfect, a bit of a larrikin, always willing to help and see the best in people, never a complainer, he loved his family, his sport, his country and anything that involved getting wet," Dave said.

"A boy could not ask for a better role model."

Norman Victor Karlson was born in Newcastle on May 9, 1921, to Karl "Charlie" Karlson and Violet Joyce.

While Mr Karlson did not speak much about his early years growing up in Newcastle, his thrill-seeking tendencies were well known to his family, as was his love of the water.

An avid surfer, Mr Karlson joined the Newcastle surf club and in January 1948 he received a bravery medal for a dangerous rescue he and friend Jim Jenkins made during a heavy storm.

Mr Karlson moved to the Bay in 1948 where he was stationed with the army.

He met his wife of 57 years, Pat Lund, at what is now the Seabreeze Hotel in 1948. They married in 1949.

Born and raised in the Bay, Mrs Karlson's family were lighthouse keepers.

Mrs Karlson died in 2006.

Apart from a few years when the Karlsons moved back to Newcastle, they raised their sons in Fingal Bay.

Mr Karlson's well attended funeral was held in Nelson Bay on Wednesday, July 2.

The wake was held at the Fingal Beach surf club.