Mr Ward was paua diving in the Catlins last weekend with friend and workmate Mitchell McPhee (23), also of Balclutha, when both men died in unexplained circumstances.
Family members and friends paid tribute to Mr Ward with both tears and laughter during the hour-long service, painting a picture of a man who loved life, and lived it to the full.
Celebrant Ann McDowall, talking on behalf of Mr Ward's family, said he was a "fun-loving" man, fond of a practical joke, and devoted to his wife Deana, and three children.
"The essence of Malcolm was that he was always laughing, and a great hugger, always ready with a great big bear-hug. He would drop everything to help somebody, and was always thinking of others."
She said although family and friends would miss him, they would also remember the good times.
"Over coming weeks, allow the tears to flow, but also let the laughter ring out."
Mitchell McPhee's funeral will take place at the South Otago Town & Country Club in Balclutha, at 2pm Monday.
- The Otago Daily Times was granted permission to attend the funeral of Malcolm Ward.
