Mr Clark, who lived in Shoal Bay with wife Shirley, was the first divisional commander of the Port Stephens Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol (RVCP), the predecessor of Marine Rescue.

Not only was Mr Clark involved in Marine Rescue, he was a long-time member and president of the Port Stephens Game Fishing Club.

Mr Clark joined the Port Stephens division of the RVCP in 1981.

He was the longest-serving active member at RVCP and Marine Rescue Port Stephens with 34 years of service.

‘‘Kevin was a very special person,’’ Tony O’Donnell, deputy unit commander of Port Stephens Marine Rescue, said.

‘‘Although very sick, up to three weeks ago he and his wife were out in the shopping centres selling raffle tickets for a boat we have as a prize to raise funds.

‘‘He really wanted to contribute right up to the end.

‘‘He was a great guy.’’

Mr Clark lost his battle with cancer on Saturday, March 21.

He is survived by wife Shirley and their three children Sharon, Rhonda and Mark.

Mr Clark’s funeral would be held at St Michaels Catholic Church in Sproule Street, Nelson Bay today, March 26, from 2pm.