The 69-year-old experienced fisherman went missing on Thursday, with his disappearance described as being out of character.
Mr Heard failed to return from a fishing trip to Gayundah Creek – on the south-western side of Hinchinbrook Island between Cairns and Townsville – on Thursday, with his wife raising the alarm after being unable to contact him by radio.
Wildlife officers earlier thought it “highly likely” a crocodile was involved in Mr Heard’s disappearance after they discovered the 4-metre croc near his empty boat.
Authorities are still waiting on official DNA analysis to determine whether the remains found near the boat and in the crocodile were Mr Heard.
The Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron, of which Mr Heard was a “beloved” life member, shared an image of the “all round legendary bloke” after news of the discovery on Saturday morning, along with another picture of its flags flying at half mast.
“Our hearts are broken for you and the loss of the love of your life and best mate,” the group said in a post extending its condolences to Mr Heard’s wife, Erica. “He died doing what he loves best, with the woman he loved the most.”
Speaking to reporters on Friday, police Inspector Andrew Cowie said despite rain restricting search efforts in the large area around Hinchinbrook Island, those involved had scoured the coastline, local rivers and creeks.
He said Mr Heard had only taken a radio with him, no life jacket or emergency beacon.
If confirmed as a crocodile attack, it would be the third in less than three weeks across north Queensland’s “croc country”, and the 12th fatal incident since 1985.
