Tears at tragic death of an honourable man, paramedic Paul Rossington Every pew of the Anglican church in Petersham was filled today, as family and friends gathered to farewell Paul Rossington, the paramedic who jumped from a cruise ship to save his girlfriend Paul Rossington's parents Christeen and Richard / Pic: Cameron Richardson Source: The Australian PARAMEDIC Paul Rossington did the "honourable thing" by leaping after girlfriend Kristen Schroder when she fell from a cruise ship, mourners were told yesterday. Yet any mention of Ms Schroder was noticeably absent as Mr Rossington's family and friends paid tribute to the 30-year-old, who is presumed dead after he jumped from a balcony of the Carnival Spirit just seconds after his 27-year-old girlfriend on May 8. Mr Rossington, who moved from Sydney to Barraba in the state's west almost two years ago, was remembered as a free spirit with a passion for extreme sports, surfing, golf and the Brisbane Broncos. His mother, Christeen, wept as she spoke of his "beautiful blue eyes and big smile." "He died as he lived - an honourable man," she said. You shouldn't have to outlive your own child. Mr Rossington's sister, Lisa McKay, drove him to the ship to board the 10-day cruise. "What I would change if I knew this would be the last time I saw your face - to value the moment," Ms McKay said yesterday. It was left to NSW Ambulance senior chaplain Paul McFarlane and Barraba Ambulance station officer Will Rixon to speak about Mr Rossington's selfless love for his girlfriend. Real estate agent Ms Schroder, 27, had recently moved to Barraba to be with Mr Rossington. Her family held a service for her in their home town of Bingara earlier in the week. "We don't really know what happened ... but we do know that when Kristen has fallen, Paul has immediately and instinctively gone over the side," Mr McFarlane said. For those who knew Paul, this heroic and caring action will not surprise you at all. He's done the honourable thing, he's done the right thing. He's joined Kristen in the water and tried to save the one he cared about. Mr Rixon fought back tears as he recalled how thrilled Mr Rossington had been when Ms Schroder moved to the small country town to live with him: "We couldn't help but share his delight." Ms Schroder's family, who were with the couple on the cruise, have dismissed reports the couple were arguing and drinking in the hours before they disappeared.