Hundreds gather to remember Allan Hubbard

Allan Hubbard. Photo / The Listener

Hundreds have gathered in Timaru 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 is the venue for today's memorial service, led by Timaru mayor Janie Annear and with a list of speakers that includes 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 is 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, is parked near the stage.

The chorale from the local Craighead School is performing at the service.

Jean Hubbard, 82, is among those attending the service.

She recently told the Herald 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.