Fisherman, 40, mauled to death by shark that bit him on the neck in horror attack while on holiday in Australia

He and his family had been in the water near Humpy Island in he Great Barrier Reef's Keppel Bay Islands National Park when the attack happened.

Walford was a school chaplain and pastor at the Cathedral of Praise church in Rockhampton, Queensland.

Family friend Doug Webber told ABC News he had watched the rescue helicopter fly over his house, aware it was for his pal Walford.

Webber said: "I always say a little tribute for whoever it may be, but to find out it was Luke was a very sad day.

"Luke always had a heart for God, and you could always see that he would be in ministry somewhere.

"We know because of our faith he's in a better place but it doesn't help for those who are left here and mourning a great person."

In a post to Facebook, his church paid tribute saying "he was attacked by a shark while doing something he loved - spearfishing, a passion that was passed down to him by his father.

"He was truly a beloved figure, especially among our young people, children, and the entire congregation.

“Our prayers are with Luke’s family, especially his wife, his mother, and all his relatives.”

Walford's friends and fellow congregants shared touching memories of him on the church's Facebook page.

One said: "This man was the most generous person I have ever met with his time to all those around him going out of his way to give all he had to others."

Another posted: "Truly a remarkable, selfless, caring man of God, always with a quock smile and an encouraging word.

"He was so humble and totally poured his life into others."

While a third wrote: "Such shocking news, but what an incredible impact he had in his lifetime- an impact that is still unfolding … generations who Praise Jesus because of his testimony."