Fr Martin Flannery, a friend from Invercargill, led the service for the man he described as kind, compassionate and courageous, who "tried to enable other people to lead their lives to the full".
Richard Blakely spoke on behalf of Mr Maxwell's wife, Jan, and the rest of the family, expressing their heartfelt gratitude to all those in the Queenstown community and wider region who had offered support.
"Coming again from Jan and the family, we must thank you all for your love and friendship."
His daughters remembered their father as a superhero figure in Clark Kent disguise, an avid listener and giver of wise advice, and a man who would always put others ahead of himself.
Longtime friend David Preston said Mr Maxwell was a terrifically caring man who would work long hours in business - for the past three years as account manager of Print Central - and in the community, but still find time for fishing, hunting and, especially, his family.
"His greatest joy was his family ...
"He always adored Jan, he was a proud father to his children.
"He loved them to bits. He was always there for them," Mr Preston said.
Many spoke of his generosity in coaching, mentoring and taking part in community groups such as the Rotary Club, for which he was Queenstown president from 2002 to 2003.
Other tributes told of his love for the outdoors, loyalty, determination, and unorthodox but devastating batting style as a member of the Millbrook Cricket Club.
The casket arrived and departed to a guard of honour formed by Mr Maxwell's cricket and hockey team-mates, their bats and sticks raised to form an archway over the procession.
Born and raised in Wairio, Southland, Mr Maxwell attended Wairio Primary School, and Southland and Waitaki Boys' high schools. He graduated with a bachelor of education degree from the University of Otago, where he met his wife while coaching her hockey team.
He is survived by Jan, their children Amy, Danielle, Rachel, Tom and Sam, and three grandchildren.
