Sarah Pezaro, daughter of Dr Dennis Pezaro, 83, said he was fully committed to his patients and the community.
"Beyond the many interests and causes that Dennis advocated for, he was a country doctor really of another time.
"His priority for the health of his community always eclipsed any personal or family goals.
"His lack of timekeeping was legendary, as it showed his commitment to the person whose needs were in front of him.
"He loved the community of Wānaka and I’m confident that feeling was reciprocated."
Community stalwart Lyal Cocks described Dr Pezaro as "an outstanding member of the community who provided a great service, not only in medical practice, but for the development of the community".
In a 2014 speech, Dr Pezaro recalled moving permanently to Wānaka in 1973 as the sole GP.
Supplying early medical services on the skifields, he also helped bring other young doctors to the area.
Cardrona Doctors GP Dr Jim Reid said he remembered him well from medical school days at the University of Otago "as well as later when he was a friend".
"He was some years ahead of me, and was a registrar when I was a junior medical student. He loved teaching and like everything he did in life, he was good at it."
He said Dr Pezaro was attracted to rural medicine and "took to it like a duck to water", and became a dedicated doctor in Wānaka for over 50 years, many of which were in solo practice.
He was highly regarded on the medical political scene and was also well known for his community involvement.
"He was not frightened to challenge authority, called a spade a spade, and he did not countenance fools lightly."
Queenstown Lakes District deputy mayor Quentin Smith said Dr Pezaro had a long history of helping the Wānaka community and healthcare sector.
"He was there for people during the good and bad times in their lives and was an incredible character."
Dr Pezaro died peacefully with family earlier this month, and his life was celebrated with a private family service.
He was a dearly loved husband, father, father-in-law and Papa, his death notice said.
