Hundreds have gathered in Timaru today to celebrate the life of controversial financier Allan Hubbard.
Mr Hubbard, 83, revered by many for his huge contributions to charity, died last month when a car driven by his wife Jean collided with a ute near Oamaru.
Timaru's Caroline Bay Soundshell was the venue for today's (Sunday's) memorial service, led by Timaru mayor Janie Annear and with a list of speakers including Mr Hubbard's daughter Lesley Limbe.
Rev Dr Susan Jones said the service was about celebrating the life of someone who "meant much to many'' and went too soon.
Mr Hubbard was remembered as a "man of faith'' who had a long involvement with the scouting movement.
"Allan was like us all, human, and most of all, mortal.''
The soundshell stage was filled with flowers and shrubs, a painting of Mr Hubbard and scouting flags. Mr Hubbard's humble 1971 Volkswagen Beetle, with a black ribbon around it and a single rose on the roof, was parked near the stage.
The chorale from the local Craighead School performed at the service.
Jean Hubbard, 82, was among those attending the service.
She recently said she was doing "as well as can be expected''.
Mr Hubbard was laid to rest in a private funeral service last month.
Hubbard's business, South Canterbury Finance, went into receivership on August 31 last year.
It triggered a record bailout under the Government's deposit guarantee scheme, giving $1.7 billion of taxpayers money to 35,000 investors.
The Serious Fraud Office has since dropped 50 charges against Mr Hubbard.
