A Kelowna man who paddled every day for almost six years to raise awareness of environmental issues has died.

Bob Purdy was a local paddling legend, often seen with a smile and a stand-up paddleboard along the shores of Okanagan Lake.

He died this week of cancer at the age of 64.

"I think Bob is just a great example of a good role model. He always concentrated on making the world a better place," said Carey Missler, who filmed The Paddler, a documentary about Purdy.

"He attracted people from everywhere because of his laid-back personality."

Paddling events around the world

Purdy founded the Paddle for the Planet movement and World Paddle for the Planet Day. He used his passion for stand-up paddleboarding as a way to draw attention to water protection.

Between 2011 and 2016 he paddled more than 2,000 consecutive days — rain, snow or shine — to encourage people to "change the way we live on this planet."

"He wasn't getting paid. He just did it to bring awareness to beautiful areas like Kelowna, Tofino and the Great Bear Rainforest," said Missler.

Since its conception, World Paddle for the Planet events have taken place in Canada, the U.S., Europe, Australia, South Korea and Abu Dhabi.

Purdy leading a group of paddlers on the Shuswap River near Enderby, B.C. in July 2015. (World Paddle for the Planet)

In 2012, Purdy paddled the full 135 kilometre length of Okanagan Lake as part of his campaign.

He completed his own Paddle for the Planet 2,100-day challenge in Tofino in September, 2016.

There is a group stand-up paddle taking place in Kelowna Saturday in his memory. It is planned for 11 a.m. at Rotary Beach Park.

Purdy completed 2,100 consecutive days of paddling in Tofino, B.C. in September 2016. (Facebook)

With files from CBC's Daybreak South and Chris Walker.