As each person released a white dove into the sky near the ocean, Bob Marley’s “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright,” played in the background.
It was the song playing on Gary Edgar’s iPod when he died on Wednesday in a hospital after a sudden bout with lung cancer. He was 45.
Friends and family came together on the shore in Newport Beach this morning to say goodbye to Gary Edgar, and more than a hundred went into the water for a traditional “paddleout,” where surfers form a circle, hold hands and remember their loved one.
“We’re just amazed and shocked at the support we have from all our friends,” Ron Edgar said. “This is indeed a sad day for all of us. … Personally, he was my guardian angel.”
Read more about the tribute here.
Surfboard with a picture of Gary Edgar and covered with flowers is shown during a paddleout memorial for Edgar, a pro surfer from the 80s who died of lung cancer at age 45. PHOTOS BY CARLOS DELGADO, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
People watch from the shore during a paddleout memorial for Gary Edgar, a pro surfer from the 80s who died of lung cancer at age 45, in Newport Beach, Calif., on Sunday
An Orange County girl pro surfer landed an entertainment gig. 22-year old Erica Hosseini has been a regular competitor on the 
Longtime Newport Beach local Gary “Shredgar” Edgar lost his battle with cancer on Wednesday. If you grew up surfing the Newport jetties in the 80’s, then you likely saw this regular foot ripper in the lineup at one time or another.
If you’re an amateur or pro competitive surfer, then here’s your last chance to qualify for Volcom’s big championship event next year. 
The best 16 and under surfers from around the nation are about to take over Salt Creek in Dana Point this weekend. The 2009 Rip Curl GromSearch National Final will get underway on Saturday, November 14th.
