Sir Tim Wallis. Photo: Supplied/ Office of the Governor-General
Wānaka will farewell its own aviation legend, the late Sir Tim Wallis, at his funeral at Wānaka Airport, which begins at noon today.
Son Jonathan Wallis said yesterday the family had "no idea" how many people would show up for the service, which will be held in the Alpine Helicopters hangar.
"It's a total guess. It is livestreamed, so there'll be a lot of people watching at home I suspect."
Following the service, and a lunch of "some of Tim's favourite foods", Sir Tim would be flown from the airport by helicopter,
Wallis said.
"It's not a morbid affair. It's a celebration of a very full life," Wallis said.
One of the South's most prominent business leaders, Sir Tim was the founder of the Warbirds over Wanaka Airshow, which was launched in 1988.
Sir Tim was also a major figure in the establishment of New Zealand's venison industry, was still the major shareholder of Wānaka-based Alpine Group at the time of his death and was a former director of more than two dozen companies.
Sir Tim died surrounded by family at his home in Wānaka on October 17. He was 85.
The family have invited donations in Sir Tim's memory be made to the NZ Spinal Trust, St John or the M!nt Trust, a Wānaka-based charity supporting people with intellectual disabilities.
A livestream of the service will be available on the Southern Lakes Funerals website.
- this story was originally published by the ODT