A Queensland fisherman thought to have been killed by a crocodile has been remembered as an “all round legend” by loved ones, with his partner Erica Lang sharing a beautiful poem in his memory.

Andrew Heard, 69, set off on a hour-long fishing trip in Gayundah Creek near Hinchinbrook Island north of Townsville on Thursday afternoon last week. He never returned and the next morning police found his 2-metre boat overturned and damaged. Police have since confirmed that human remains have been located inside a crocodile.

“Police can confirm human remains have been located inside a crocodile which was removed by officers from the Department of Environment and Science yesterday near Hinchinbrook Island,” Queensland police said in a statement on Sunday.

“The 4.2-metre crocodile, which is believed to be the one involved in the death of a 69-year-old man, was examined by a specialist in Cairns overnight with human remains being located inside.”

Andrew’s heartbroken partner Erica has since shared a poem in memory of ‘Andy’ as she affectionately called him. The poem was posted on the Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron Facebook page, a club of which Andrew was a life member.

It reads:

On an ancient wall in China, where the brooding Buddha blinks
Deeply graven is the message; it is later than you think
The clock of life is wound but once and no man has the power
To tell just when the hands will stop, at late or early hour
Now is all the time you own, the past a golden link
Go cruising now my brother, it is later than you think.

Friends and loved ones of the fisherman have also paid tribute, with Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron leading the way. The yacht club remembered Andrew as “a beloved life member and all round legendary bloke”.

“RIP Andrew Heard,” the club wrote on Facebook Saturday morning. “Erica Lang our hearts are broken for you and the loss of the love of your life and best mate. He died doing what he loves best, with the woman he loved the most.”

Facebook user Natalie King commented on the heartbreaking post, writing: “So sad. A beautiful man. He had an amazing life with you Erica. It was a pleasure knowing him for 20 years and seeing him happy with you spending every day doing what he loved. Sending hugs and love.”

Margie Ward said: “Sadly missed after 45 years of friendship and work colleague. RIP Andy.” And Scotchy Holloway commented: “RIP. It was a pleasure, you will be missed.”

Meanwhile, friend John Stewart told 9News what had happened was “shattering”. “Everyone’s just feeling numb and lost that such a fine man has gone,” he said.

Another friend Andy Murray told the publication: “In many years of sailing, meeting many beautiful people, Andy was one of the best. He’d been through a lot and he was living the life that he absolutely needed and wanted to live. What he’s left behind is a magnificent legacy.”