The coroner, Marcus Elliott, has reserved his findings into the death of Bruce James Cochran (53), on August 21, 2014.
Mr Cochran, a paraplegic, lived on his own and worked at the Cardrona skifield during winter.
The inquest spanned three days and was held in the Coroners Court in Queenstown.
Mr Cochran's brother, Phil, of Whangarei, speaking on behalf of the family, told the coroner Bruce had been described as a "character - a good character''.
"He wasn't a perfect man and he lived in an untidy house, which probably created a bigger fire ... but he had a big heart.''
His brother was not one to make a fuss: "he just shut up and got on with his own problems in life''.
Bruce was on a "better track in life'' when he died, Mr Cochran said, stopping several times to compose himself before continuing.
"Our desire through this whole process was that people would learn, make changes and do better ... if that is what we can achieve as a family, then Bruce's life is not in vain.''
If that was the outcome of the inquest process and his brother's legacy, the family would be happy with that, Mr Cochran said.
Mr Elliott paid tribute to the dignity shown by the family throughout the inquest.
Senior Constable Chris Blackford said police were satisfied there were no suspicious circumstances or criminal culpability surrounding the death.
Much of the evidence at the inquest has been suppressed and the suppression orders will be reviewed before Mr Elliott's findings are made public.
Specialist fire investigator for the New Zealand Fire Service southern fire region, Michael Cahill, said an ignition source could not be identified but it was likely the fire started in the roofing space.
