SEVERAL hundred people gathered at Cronulla RSL Memorial Club on Friday to remember the remarkable and inspirational life of Curly Symonds.
Hailed as a true Cronulla son, Curly was described as a "mentor, coach, helper, an argumentative combatant, someone to lean on and a friend".
Dudley Cecil Symonds, better known as Curly, died in his sleep on September 8 aged 93, six days after his twin brother Bill, known as Yooka, passed away.
He was remembered not only for his involvement in many community groups but also for his larger-than-life, colourful personality.
Tributes were given by his son Bruce Symonds, daughter Jill Anderson and grandsons Michael Anderson and Scott Symonds.
And there was applause and laughter as colourful stories were told about one of the shire's larger-than-life characters.
The room was crowded with people of many backgrounds, young and old, which reflected his busy life.
Curly formed the Cronulla RSL Youth Club rugby league team, which he coached from 1962 to 1968.
He also formed the Cronulla RSL hockey club, taught swimming at Gunnamatta baths, and Harry Gibbons Aquatic Centre, Woolooware, raised funds for Legacy, was a member of Woolooware Public School and Cronulla High School P&Cs, and was involved with Cronulla Theatre Co, Legacy and Meals on Wheels.
He was Cronulla RSL Sub-branch welfare officer for almost 40 years, making more than 2000 visits a year to veterans and their families in hospital.
"His non-judgmental attitude to others was a large part of his soul," his daughter, Jill said.
Grandsons Michael and Scott spoke on behalf of Curly's grandchildren.
Scott said that material things were not important to Curly while Michael said his priorities were "family, friends and community".
His niece, Toni Lorentze, spoke of Curly's close bond with his twin brother, Yooka, telling many colourful tales of their life growing up in Depression-era Bondi.
"I'm hoping you and Dad are now your 20-year-old selves again, fit and brown and out surfing beyond the breakers," she said.
