Mr Pawson (48), a co-founder of alpine retail company Kathmandu, fell to his death while climbing Mt Aspiring last week.
He held various leadership roles in the Wanaka community, which included the vice-presidency of Otago Federated Farmers and the chairman position of the Upper Clutha Tracks Trust (UCCT).
Eulogies were delivered at the ceremony by Mr Pawson's sisters - Christine, Janet, Mary Anne and Erin - and his wife Meg Taylor.
Several of his friends and colleagues including Federated Farmers president Richard Burdon and fellow UCCT trustee Rachel Brown, also of Lake Hawea, spoke of his leadership skills, talent, and drive.
Mr Pawson's funeral was held at Riverrun Lodge, the Wanaka home and farm he established in partnership with his wife in 1996.
An obituary will follow.
