'Dearly loved' jetski victim to be farewelled tomorrow

The family requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Coastguard Northern Region. Photo / Supplied

A "dearly loved" husband and father will be farewelled tomorrow after his body was found in the water near Waiheke Island at the weekend.

Mervin de Rozario, 61, from Pakuranga Heights, died while out jetski fishing in Auckland's Hauraki Gulf on Saturday.

In a notice in the Herald, Mr de Rozario's family paid tribute to the keen fisherman who "tragically passed away at sea".

Mr de Rozario was the "dearly loved husband of Hazel", and the "dearly loved father of Kelly Ann and Kyle Daniel and loved father-in-law of Aaron and Olu", the notice said.

Others also paid tribute to the father-of-two.

"I'm very sad to hear about the passing of Mervin who was one of the world's genuinely nice blokes. He loved his family, food and fishing. Sincere condolences to Mervin's family," Graham Farrelly said.

Daryl Tahitahi described Mr de Rozario as "a dear friend and such a gentleman".

Anton and Fransisca Peiris said: "Mervin is such a humble person. We never forget how he supported us spiritually when we first came to New Zealand. Our thoughts and prayers with the family."

A work colleague, who posted anonymously, said Mr de Rozario was "such a quiet, humble man and was well respected".

Angela Gilbert said: "I will always remember Mervin as a quiet thoughtful man, who was so proud of his family and all they achieved, it was a pleasure to have known you, rest in peace Mervin."

Another anonymous poster described him as "a wonderful and kind man".

A Requiem Mass will be held for Mr de Rozario at St Mark's Catholic Church, Pakuranga, on Friday at 11am. It will be followed by a private cremation.

The family requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Coastguard Northern Region.

Such donations "would be appreciated", the family said.

"Special thanks to Coastguard, Maritime Police and all volunteers who assisted in the search."

Mr de Rozario was reported missing after he failed to return from a fishing trip on Saturday. He had notified Coastguard at 2.30pm when he set off from Half Moon Bay for a day's fishing, but his wife raised the alarm at 8.30pm when he had not returned.

His jetski was found overnight on Saturday, anchored, with a fishing line out.

Mr de Rozario's body was found in the water between Waiheke and Motuihe Islands about midday on Sunday, by a local boatie. He had been wearing a life jacket.

• Donations in lieu of flowers to Coastguard Northern Region, PO Box 2195, Shortland St, Auckland, 1140, (reference Mervin).