Commercial and Rural Insurance (C & R Insurance) founder Russell William Smith's life was celebrated by a full house of family and friends at his farewell in Alexandra yesterday.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions limiting attendees at Affinity Funerals to 100, another 110 people tuned into the funeral livestream, and Dunstan rowing club members sat under trees in Molyneux park to show their support.

The 74-year-old husband of Irene, father and father-in-law to Simon and Vanessa, Tonya and Robert and grandfather of five, passed away at home on March 16 after a battle with illness.

The fifth in a family of six children, he was a rugby player, footballer, basketball player, cricketer, sailor and a rower in his younger years.

Growing up mostly in the 1940s and 1950s, in a big family with a small house meant he spent a lot of time outside playing sports with his siblings.

His first journey to Otago was to row in the national championships at Waihola in 1967. 

Russell, who was born in Auckland, moved to Alexandra in 1977 with Irene and their two young children Simon and Tonya. 

Initially, he joined a small existing insurance agency.

It was a firm of three partners, then two retired and Russell worked to find the best way to build the business as the remaining partner.

Irene has always been by his side, whether it be in business, or lakeside supporting whanau in rowing regattas around New Zealand. 

The pair were described as 'true soulmates' by friends at the service.

Russell and Irene constantly innovated to stay current as a brokerage, providing insurance services for the local community.

C & R Insurance now employs 21 people and covers Queenstown, Cromwell, Wanaka and Winton. 

Over the years Russell remained focused on local people, growing his business to provide insurance solutions to sectors booming in Central Otago such as horticulture, vineyards and construction. 

He remained active, including keeping up with his hobbies of golfing, tennis and fishing, always bringing his sense of humour and superior hosting skills to many situations. 

Russell was a keen barbecue-chef, and loved to host friends and family, putting on great food and pairing it with Central Otago wines. PHOTO: Supplied

He was described as a successful, generous, humble, family man with many good mates, who would speak his mind in a respectful way. 

His firm also sponsored community activities ‘behind the scenes’, including rugby, rowing and golf, because he genuinely cared about the people in Central Otago and what happened to them. 

Russell's son Simon said one of his earliest memories of his dad was when he watched him pull down a shed with his bare hands and a hammer, akin to a Superman movie he had seen as young boy. 

“He cared for his staff and clients in an amazing way, they were an extension of his family…," Simon said, pictured, speaking at the funeral. PHOTO: Supplied

“The past three months robbed him and us of his retirement he worked so hard for and deserved."

Simon said that in his final days together with Russell he had many meetings talking about work and family.

Russell asked Simon to look after his prized possession here and in Twizel and to promise to take good care of Irene..

A colleague at C & R Insurance Dewald de Beer said Russell had a great passion for his work and the people in it.

“While many others would have taken things slower he was still putting in the big hours every week to ensure we have a future and company we can take forward.

"He not only left a hole in our industry and company, but also all of our hearts,” Dewald said.

Megan Hodgson, previously Vero AMP relationship manager, had worked with Russell for many years.

She said that their working relationship grew into a friendship, which she highly valued.

Attendees at the funeral also heard from his Alexandra golfing mates about how he was a dedicated member, serving on the executive as a course convener, along with sponsoring the club. 

Last year when The Central App talked to Russell, he said he was a strong believer in the importance of personal contact, personal service and connection.

He also said there was so much to be grateful for in this beautiful part of the world.

Dunstan Arm Rowing Club members set up chairs under the trees to be part of the service as they couldn't attend due to number restrictions. PHOTO: Vicki McLean

There was not a spare seat in the room as friends and family celebrated Russell's achievements in business, family and sporting life. PHOTO: Vicki McLean

The recording of the funeral can be viewed online for the next month at affinityfunerals.co.nz