MAROOCHYDORE Surf Life Saving Club has farewelled a fighter of incredible determination, resilience and a stubbornness that was to see him hold off for six years the cancer that was meant to end his life within six months.

Peter Lucas returned in 1998 to the club with which he did his Bronze Medallion in the early 1970s after a career in banking across Queensland and then in business as owner of GT Auto Spares and with Suncoast Cabs.

He was to quickly make up for those lost years ultimately becoming a life member of the club but also the Sunshine Coast branch and Surf Life Saving Queensland.

Mate and past club president and life member Mike Dwyer described Peter as the most obstinate bastard he'd met. But even that amount of will was to prove unable to hold off the disease as he declined during the past 11 months.

Peter's wife Lesley, the couple's three children, partners and grandchildren gathered with club members on the beach in front of the clubhouse on Saturday as Rigid Inflatable Rescue Boats took wreaths and his ashes to be spread at sea.

Mr Dwyer said Peter had thrown himself into service for the club with a particular focus on ensuring patrol members were equipped with the skills necessary to bring a high level of competency to their duties.

"He did all the basics and made sure the people we put on the beach had the skills that were constantly upgraded," Mr Dwyer said.

Even during those period's where his service was directed to branch and state levels, Peter had remained active within the club.