Laughter, tears at memorial for boater Gary Lisk

A photo of Lisk, set at the front of the room where his loved ones gathered to say goodbye Saturday, shows the 61-year-old doing one of the things he loved best: fishing.

Shirtless and tan, he's leaning back against the gunwale of a boat. Using his might to reel the fishing rod, which is bent like the slope of a candy cane and rooted in his fighting belt, his face is painted with joy.

At the memorial service, family members' anecdotes from Lisk's life brought the expected tears, but also laughter to the more than 120 people who came to pay their respects.

The service was held at the Fuller Funeral Home in Naples.

Lisk, who served in the Army in Vietnam clearing land mines, was given posthumous military honors.

Lisk's body was recovered recently after his boat, a Hydrasport called "What's Left," washed ashore on Cape Canaveral in Brevard County. Lisk, along with Neil Eddleman, 47, and his 13-year-old son, also named Neil Eddleman, left on an overnight fishing trip Oct. 17 on a 24-foot single-engine boat, but never returned.

A private search continues for Lisk's two missing boatmates. The FBI and Brevard County Medical Examiner's Office have offered no information about the time and cause of Lisk's death.

Tammy Smith, a friend of Lisk's who spoke at the memorial service, mentioned the irony of the boat's name.

"It begs the question we're all left with today," she said.

Lisk is survived by three daughters, two stepsons and nine grandchildren. His personal battle with alcohol and prescription drugs led him to become a counselor and psychotherapist, and help others who had similar struggles.

"He helped me a great deal," said Mike Nuedling, who knew Lisk for six years. "He reminded me to stop beating myself up and taking things too seriously. He showed me how to recognize things that I can't control, and give it to God."

Tom Morris met Lisk 17 years ago when Lisk started helping him recover from drug addiction.

"He knew what to say at the right time," Morris said. "At my worst times he could always get a chuckle out of me."

Family members shared some lighthearted memories of Lisk at the service.

Gwen Koda, Lisk's older sister, said they were best friends and worst enemies. She described him as a protector, especially when they were young, and willing to help out on occasion.

Like when Koda had a crush on the boy next door. Lisk wrestled him to the ground and held him long enough for Koda to kiss him.

David Koda, Lisk's 32-year-old nephew, will always remember the nickname Lisk gave him: Davy Crickett.

Cindi Pittman, Lisk's niece, said her uncle always said she was his "favorite nephew." Pittman clarified she's had no sex change -- it was just one of his jokes.

"I never told him, but I think he knows he's my favorite aunt," she said.