Man who was killed while helping others 'always gave his best'

Owen Wright. Photo / Supplied

A man who helped others cross the Port Hills after the earthquake before being hit by falling boulders was remembered today at a service attended by hundreds.

Owen Wright, 40, was at his Woolston joinery business when the 6.3 magnitude quake struck and was injured. He headed for his Lyttelton home to see his wife Megan and two young children.

Finding the tunnel closed Mr Wright turned up the Bridle Path in his trusty Land Rover to drive over the top of the hills.

But on his way he found many tired and terrified people trying to walk the track, and gave them rides to the top. After a number of trips back and forth he parked his truck at the top, ready to start the short walk home himself.

Tragically, just minutes after he texted his wife to say he was on his way, he was killed by boulders shaken loose by the quake.

Mr Wright's funeral was held at the Aurora Centre for Performing Arts at Burnside High School this morning. The auditorium was packed out, as was the overflow room.

His family, friends and colleagues paid tribute to a man they described as a devoted husband, loving father and a person passionate about living his life to the fullest.

Celebrant Neil Struthers said Mr Wright's death highlighted his giving nature.

"He always gave his best. We gather with a great sense of pride and thanksgiving for Owen's life... what a guy."

Mr Wright was carried from the service in a casket made by his colleagues from wood collected from family homes and other places significant to his life. He was driven through a guard of honour in his much loved Land Drover - made famous for the lives it saved.