Despite almost three weeks of intense searching of rugged jungle on the Island of Oahu, no trace was found of the 77-year-old, who left for a four-hour hike on September 4.

Extended family and prominent community members gathered to pay tribute to the missing father, grandfather and friend, but to their grief was added the uncertainty of not knowing what happened to the eminent Bendigo builder and Rotarian.

Son Ian Parsons told the gathering his four children and two sons-in-law flew to the island to join the search with local forces, but two arduous weeks came up without a trace.

"Losing Dad like this has left such a flood of disparate emotions - uncertainty, sadness, desperation and, at other times, great affection and love," Mr Parsons said.

"It is not easy but what we do experience is that he is not here with us. This is the reality of it now.

"So let's just come together and tell his story and celebrate his life, and let the life of John Parsons speak for itself," he told mourners.

John Parsons came to Bendigo more than 50 years ago, built hundreds of homes around the city and made enormous contributions to his community through Rotary and his church.

Well-wishers were told John Parsons had vanished doing something he loved.

"He was looking for a new adventure every day, even at 77, and was not content to sit down in rocking chair in front of the telly," Ian said.

"He was always a traveller," John's other son, Russell, noted. "I reckon he has been to the US 20 to 30 times."

A third brother, Gordon, agreed, paying tribute to his father's strength of character and faith.

"We are confident the Lord has John in his keeping, wherever he is, and we have him in our hearts."