"A true legend." That's how a Waikato man is being described by his family, after he died in the Enchanter sinking off North Cape.
Mark Sanders was one of five men who died.
His three children told Checkpoint they were grateful they spoke to their dad one last time before disaster struck on Sunday night. His father says the family has lost its captain.
The Te Awamutu father leaves behind three children, Reese, Sienna and Ali, as well as wife, Megan.
Mark's eldest daughter Reese managed a laugh as she recalled her father's jokes.
"Just the laughs. He was the funniest person ever and no matter even how dry the joke was, he would still like laugh at it. He'd laugh at his own jokes and just make it funny.
"He was just the funniest guy, and that's what I'll miss the most I think, just all the jokes, all the good memories with him. He was amazing."
Mark Sanders. Photo: Supplied
Talking for the first time since her father's death, Reese, in her final year of high school, remembered a man with many loves - fishing, rugby, family.
"He was taken doing what he loved. At least that's a positive. He was having the time of his life and when we talked to him he was so happy.
"I remember before he went on the trip, he was so excited about it and he was like taking me downstairs to show me all of the stuff that he was taking.
"He was so happy and I have little video of him. I can't stop watching it."
Reese got to speak with their father one last time before receiving the heartbreaking news that he would not be coming home.
Reese's sister Sienna summed her father up in a couple of words.
"He was just a true legend."
Those words join others like "fine young man", "family man", "champion" on the street and online as people come to terms with what has happened.
Mark's father Graeme Sanders remembered him as "just a good bugger, good guy and good sportsman. Great family man".
"And most of all he was not only a son, he was my mate."
He last saw Mark on Wednesday morning, when he showed up at home to say goodbye before heading away.
Graeme understood the Enchanter was heading home early when disaster struck.
He said his son loved fishing and loved the sea.
Sanders' death has left a hole in Te Awamutu. The local builder and horse trainer's name is well known in these parts.
A Te Awamutu Sports Rugby Club write up celebrates one of its fine centurions - Mark Sanders - humble, true, loyal.
A Givealittle page has been set up for Mark Sanders.
