PAUL Harrison, a keen yachtsman, has been described as always happy, easy-going and knowledgeable about a wide variety of topics.

He was a larrikin but he was intelligent, witty and articulate.

The former Whitsunday resident died suddenly at his home in northern NSW last week.

He was well known and well respected by the Whitsunday community and further afield.

Paul was born in 1945 and grew up in Melbourne where he attended Xavier College and he then studied fine arts and psychology at Monash University.

He arrived in Airlie Beach in 1979 and was the skipper of the timber lugger Paladin which he ran as a charter boat.

Paul later skippered several other charter boats including Thekla.

Many will remember his keen interest in antiques as he was known for collecting interesting bits and pieces of "stuff".

Paul worked for National Parks for many years as marine manager and this is where he acquired the nickname of "Skippy".

He will also be remembered for his voluntary work as president of Whitsunday Crisis Care and Women's Support group.

Many long-term Whitsunday Times readers will also remember the column about what was happening on the water named "Flotsam and Jetsam" which was written by Paul Harrison.

Paul met his future wife and soul-mate, Bernadette, in the early 1980s and they later lived for some time in a home-made cabin in the mangroves at Sinbads at Shute Harbour.

In 2000, Paul and Bernadette moved to Melbourne as Paul's parents, Jack and Ida, were ageing and needed more permanent care.

Paul and Bernadette took their H28 boat, Janessa to Melbourne with them and during their time there, Paul again became involved in dealing antiques while the couple cared for his elderly parents.

In more recent years, Paul and Bernadette settled at Brushgrove on the Clarence River in Northern NSW.

Once again, Paul quickly became a popular and well respected member of the community.

He is survived by his wife Bernadette, his son Matthew, his daughter Brianna, grandson Quinn, Bernadette's sons Daniel and Benjamin and his many friends.

Paul Harrison will be missed by many people from all walks of life.