Merivale man Lance Scullin will be remembered as a family man who always put the community first.

Crowds of family, friends and members of the Tauranga community gathered at Pyes Pa crematorium to say goodbye to the father who had always put the neighbourhood ahead of his own safety.

Lance Scullin is being farewelled at a funeral in Pyes Pa today.

His brother Chris Scullin described Lance as a caring man who died serving the community he loved. The family are still struggling to come to terms with the loss.

'To be honest it's been a bit of a landslide for the family. We have got the children separated away from the family home and looked after by extended family.”

Lance was the 'much loved dad of Bradley, Deana, Jade, Kaydie, and JJ” and a 'dearly loved son, father, brother, uncle and friend”.

The 50-year-old security guard and Neighbourhood Watch member was found dead in the backyard of his property in Kesteven Avenue by neighbours about 10am on Sunday.

About 10 hours earlier he was assaulted with a fence paling when he went to the aid of members of the public in a dispute with a group of youth outside his property. He suffered minor injuries and did not wish to lay a complaint with police.

Police say the assault was not directly linked to Lance's death, but police are waiting on further results after the post-mortem was inconclusive.

Chris says it comes as no surprise his brother would try to break up a fight outside his home.

'He was like that in many of the areas that he lived in and has been involved in helping out and supporting younger and older people at risk.”

Lance grew up in the Hawke's Bay before moving to Tauranga more than 10 years ago. Along with his security based skills he had a passion as a painter and decorator.

But Chris says one memory sticks out the most.

'I think the smile on his face when he was with his children; he was a great family man.”

After Lance's funeral people are invited to Merivale Community Centre for a Kai Hakari where people can come along and share food and stories about Lance.

A 32-year-old unemployed Tauranga man has since has been arrested in relation to the assault on Lance. He is charged with intent to injure, common assault, and participating in an organised criminal group.