Kindness was the defining virtue of a Victorian father and son who lost their lives during an Easter Sunday rescue off the state's southwest coast.
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Dairy farmers Ross "Po" Powell, 71, and Andrew Powell, 32, have been remembered by the small community of Timboon as men who touched the hearts of the community and wanted to give back.
"It's because when people are kind to each other, everyone benefits," family friend of 50 years Neil Trotter said following a funeral service on Friday afternoon.
"That's why Po and Andy have touched so many people's hearts in the local community and beyond."
Mr Trotter urged people who wanted to honour their legacy and support the family to continue the volunteering spirit of the surf lifesavers.
"What (the family) have asked me to say is to continue the spirit of giving and putting other people first by finding something you're passionate about, something you're good at and donate your time as a volunteer in your local community."
Hundreds of people attended the town hall service with a guard of honour lining the streets of Timboon to pay tribute.
Friend Tom Westmore said he often felt "entirely unworthy" of being friends with his mate Andy.
"This is how myself, and several other friends of Andrew felt about this amazing man," he said.
He remembered Andrew as the most generous, successful, involved and the "most revered" member of his community.
"The last two years of Andy's life were his best. He had become a nationally-awarded farmer, and he had fallen in love and conceived a child with his soulmate Amber."
Siblings Brett Powell and Natalie spoke at the service, recalling their hard-working father's love of the community and volunteering.
Ross and Andrew Powell died after their rescue boat flipped in two-metre swells when trying to rescue a tourist who had been struggling in dangerous waters at the mouth of the Sherbrook River at Port Campbell.
The 30-year-old tourist and fellow life saver Phil Younis were winched to safety, with the latter taken to hospital in a serious condition.
"It is terrible that two highly qualified and active lifesavers could lose their lives in such a way and highlights the dangers lifesavers and lifeguards around the world put themselves in," Life Saving Victoria President Paul James said.
Member of the lifesaving movement across Australia were urged to wear red on Friday to pay tribute to the Powells.
The duo were also honoured with an oars-up service in Port Campbell Bay.
Australian Associated Press
