As Sir Russell aged, his mind remained sharp as a tack. He was never afraid to help others but would act promptly to prove people wrong if told he couldn't achieve something.
Four years in the navy during WWII were remembered as the last post echoed, followed by a tribute from Norman Bitters of Taradale RSA.
Returned servicemen and women were invited to place a single poppy on his coffin, "lest we forget".
A character in life, it seemed fitting the man himself had the last say.
Son Kevin stood strong and proud as he read an account penned by his father about love, family, business and offering a few lasting words of advice.
Born on a King Country farm in 1920, he spent the first 16 years with his mother, father, two sisters and a brother.
In those days the area was poor and "unproductive" but they never went hungry and were always tidily dressed, despite trousers being made from grandmother's old skirts and the fact his first pair of shoes were an 11th Birthday gift.
Educated at Hangatiki primary school, he moved on to Te Kuiti High School, leaving when he turned 12 to take up a job where he was paid 2 and sixpence per week with free board.
"It was depression and we needed the money ... by today's rates that would be 25c a week."
At 16-years-old he left home to work in for Hawke's Bay Motor Company, before enlisting in the navy when WWII broke out.
Within a weekend of his return home in May 1944, he was offered the Napier to Te Pohui service run, delivering food, clothing and everything in between.
RH Pettigrew Transport was founded a year later with the purchase of two Leyland trucks, and it developed into a major transporting force.
In 1964, with a fleet grown to over 100 trucks, he launched a merger and became managing director of Freightways Express, a new operation which was New Zealand's largest international road, rail, sea transport service company of the time.
"I want to thank all those kind people who have helped me through life. No single person holds front stage on their own - my workmates, my customers, my friends - even the odd bank manager came to my aid," he said.
"I loved life, I loved the cut and thrust of business dealings but deep down I was always conscious of others' feelings."
He paid tribute to Lady Glennis, who was a "wonderful wife" and great partner in business; he thanked his parents, school teachers, and the navy: "for teaching me discipline"
Sir Russell is survived by his wife, daughter Lorraine, son Kevin, six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren to whom he delivered a parting message.
"I ask that you all leave after listening to this and get on with your lives and I hope you share the happiness I have had. There will always be the ups and downs, but share them with your friends. Farewell and God bless."
Major milestones
*1983: Sir Russell Pettigrew is made a Knight Bachelor in the 1983 New Year Honour's List.
*1995: He was accorded life membership of the International Chartered Institute of Transport, presented by Princess Anne. He became a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International.
*2003: Pettigrew Green Arena opens, after Sir Russell and Lady Glennis contributed $500,000.
*2004: He and Lady Glennis were granted Freedom of the City of Napier.
*2006: Inducted to the Hawke's Bay Business Hall of Fame, and the couple became patrons of the Sensible Sentencing Trust.
*2013: Sir Russell was inducted into the New Zealand Road Transport Hall of Fame.
*He ultimately served as a director in 14 public companies, although he retired from Freightways in 1988.
*Sir Russell was past-president of the Hawke's Bay and New Zealand rugby unions, and a founder of the New Zealand Rugby Foundation, formed to assist players with serious injuries.
