Former All Black Ian Uttley was a "gentleman" who would carry his friend's tramping packs to lighten the load and make their journey more comfortable.
His wife Christine, "Tink" often accompanied him on his adventures singing and smiling along the way. She even wore her pearl earrings while canoeing down the Whanganui River saying that someone had to maintain standards.
The couple were farewelled at the Napier War Memorial Centre today. It was standing room only as hundreds turned out to remember a couple that touched many lives.
Ian, 73, and Tink, 74, were killed in a crash on their way back from a holiday last Tuesday.
The couple were returning from their Taupo holiday home when they collided with a logging truck near Te Pohue. They died at the scene.
Daughter Caroline Uttley said the kindness and support from friends, family and even total strangers had been overwhelming with cards, flowers and food arriving on their doorstep.
The couple were totally devoted to one another and now they would lie "together forever", she said.
The Uttleys moved to Napier from Waikanae about 10 years ago to support their children and grandchildren.
Their daughter Vicki first made the move to Hawke's Bay, her sister Rachel was the first to follow, then Caroline, their parents and brother Guy.
Mr Uttley suffered dementia and enjoyed regular stays in familiar surroundings.
He played two matches at centre for the All Blacks, at home against England in 1963.
The couple recently celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, having married in Gisborne in 1965, the same year he scored the only try in Wellington's victory over South Africa.
Before retirement the former All Black was a senior executive at Shell Oil.
Police said it appeared the couple may have been taking evasive action on the brow of a hill north of Te Pohue. Their car's tyres went on to the grass verge and they lost control, crossing the centre line and crashing into the truck.