Geoff Gillies died on Labour Day after crashing into a pole on State Highway 83 between Kurow and Otematata, near the Waitaki Dam hydro-electric station.
Mr Gillies, 72, had spent almost his entire life in Waitaki, including the past 50 years in Weston.
He was recognised this year for 40 years of service as a volunteer for the Weston Fire Brigade.
Hundreds of people attended his funeral on Monday, with many members of Fire and Emergency New Zealand in attendance.
Rhonda Gillies said her husband had been a beloved member of the community.
"He was a people’s person, that’s for sure. Never said a bad word about anyone."
The couple owned a crib in Otematata, where they had spent Labour Weekend with their family.
She cherished the "thousands of standout memories" they shared together.
His daughter, Mandy, echoed this sentiment.
"If we could talk about it all, we would be here forever."
She would always remember her father’s "cheeky grin" and how much he loved his family.
"He was so much fun and cheeky. He was fiercely protective of his family."
Mr Gillies had three children and two grandchildren.
