Heartfelt tributes for family man and marine rescue volunteer at funeral service

Family, friends and emergency service personnel gathered in Ballina to honour the life of respected Marine Rescue NSW volunteer Bill Ewen, who died during a tragic rescue mission at the Ballina Bar last month.

The funeral service, held at Ballina RSL Club, celebrated the life of the 78-year-old Marine Rescue Ballina crew member, whose dedication to helping others left a lasting impact on both the organisation and the wider community.

Bill was approaching a decade of service with Marine Rescue Ballina, having joined the unit in 2017.

He was remembered as a committed volunteer, respected crew member and loyal friend who was always willing to lend a hand.

In a statement read on behalf of the family by Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Todd Andrews, the family acknowledged the profound impact the tragedy had on many people.

They thanked Marine Rescue NSW, NSW Police, the SES, Ballina RSL Club and Cherry Street Sports Club for their care and assistance.

The family extended their condolences to the family of Frank Petsch, who also died in the rescue effort, describing their loss as “unimaginable”.

“With heavy hearts, we recognise the profound impact this tragedy has had on the Marine Rescue family, the surviving crew and their families, the emergency services responders who were on scene that night, and the wider Ballina community,” the statement said.

“This tragedy has reminded us how precious and fragile life can be.”

“Life will never be the same without Bill. We remember him with immense pride, deep love and gratitude for the laughter, friendship and joy he brought to so many lives. He was deeply loved and he will be deeply missed.”

During a heartfelt eulogy, daughter Angie Brown reflected on her father’s remarkable life journey, from his childhood in north-east Scotland to the family life he built and the friendships he treasured.

She described him as a devoted husband, father and grandfather whose family meant everything to him.

He moved to Australia more than a decade ago to be closer to Angie, his other daughter Gill and second wife Kerry. He also had two stepchildren and six grandchildren

Bill worked in a range of occupations, including long-distance truck driving and as a domestic appliance engineer, a role his daughter said perfectly suited his love of problem-solving and helping people.

Angie spoke warmly of a childhood filled with family gatherings, holidays, laughter and adventure, describing her father as someone who embraced life and brought joy to those around him.

“Quite simply, he was a wonderful man,” she said.

At Marine Rescue Ballina, his larger-than-life personality and distinctive Scottish accent made him instantly recognisable.

Volunteers shared memories of a man who was always ready to help, regardless of the task.

“We in the tower knew instantly when it was Bill on the radio,” one volunteer recalled.

“Had a great conversation with Bill, didn’t understand a word.”

Others remembered his warmth, humour and generosity.

“Bill was a welcoming, kind and fun-loving member who was passionate about being on the water,” a fellow volunteer said.

“He will be sadly missed by all his Marine Rescue friends.”