A DEVOTED husband slain in a burglary showed the courage he was revered for until his tragic end.

The sons of jeweller Dermot O'Toole, Christian, Dale and Trent, spoke movingly about their Irish-born father outside his Hastings jewellery shop.

Dermot O'Toole was fatally stabbed on Friday night after he came to the aid of his wife Bridget during an armed hold-up of their shop.

Mr O'Toole died at the scene and his 63-year-old wife of 41 years was taken to Frankston Hospital.

"He was devoted to her,'' Christian said. ``Nothing demonstrates this devotion more than the way in which he was so tragically taken from us.''

The brothers fought back tears yesterday as they spoke of their father's delight at becoming a grandfather for the fourth time.

"We know Dad will be with the family when the baby is born,'' Christian said. ``Nothing made Dad happier than his family.

"He always knew what we needed, whether it was a hug or a laugh. He took pride in any of our achievements, no matter how small.''

In a tribute, Mr O'Toole's family said they would be ``forever indebted for his courage and love''.

The Jewell Shed, which the couple ran for 26 years, has become a makeshift shrine for the popular jeweller.

The O'Toole's started the shop shortly after they left Ireland to come to Australia and make a new home.

Dale said the ``overwhelming support'' from the Hastings community was helping the family cope.

Today, the family left a moving tribute in the Herald Sun.

"His unique sense of humour and ever-present smile will be missed. We will be forever indebted for his courage and love. Until we meet again,'' the tribute reads. Mylee Trevitt, from Crib Point, had been a customer of the O'Tooles for the past 17 years.

"Dermot and Bridget were just two of the most beautiful people. They treated every one of their customers as if they were a friend,'' she said.

"The community will embrace Bridget and her family now and we just hope they can find some way to find peace again.''

Late on Saturday night, detectives charged Crib Point man Gavin Perry with Mr O'Toole's murder.

In an out-of-sessions hearing, the 26-year-old was also charged with armed robbery and intentionally causing serious injury.

Mrs O'Toole was released from hospital on Saturday night after surgery.

james.dowling2@news.com.au