The memory of a humble Kaitangata car enthusiast will live on, with a special trophy to be awarded at the Kaitangata Car Show and Run today.
Michael McDonald (33) died in September in a work-related incident in the Manuka Gorge.
His fiancee, Kirsty Stanley, said Mr McDonald loved cars and attended the Kaitangata Car Show and Run every year.
The annual event lets the region's most proud and enthusiastic classic car owners show off their four-wheeled other halves.
This year, the father of three will be remembered with a special memorial trophy named after him, to be awarded for best original car on the day.
Ms Stanley said Mr McDonald bought his 1967 Ford XR Falcon only months before he died.
''He ... loved his XR Falcons,'' she said.
''He liked things being original.''
He also owned a 1980 Ford XD which was given to him by a family member.
''That was his baby.''
She had not expected organisers to name an award for him.
''He would be absolutely stoked with it and completely humbled.''
To honour his memory, Ms Stanley and his children Kori,
Reid and Bryah McDonald will take Mr McDonald's Ford Falcon XR to the car show tomorrow.
Show secretary Louise McLaren said it was decided to name the trophy for Mr McDonald because he, as the owner of Don Contracting, had sponsored the car show in previous years.
It was important to honour him and his input to the show, she said.
There were 14 other prize categories on offer at the show, including
awards for best Ford, best Holden, best American car and ''bad luck'' prizes.
So far, around 150 cars were registered for the event that would start at the Kaitangata Rugby Grounds.
Money raised would go to the Kaitangata Community Centre and the Balclutha Scouts.
