Bikes farewell 'hero' balloon victim

The roar of motorcycles led balloon pilot Lance Hopping to his final rest yesterday, as hundreds of mourners lined the streets of his hometown of Carterton to say goodbye.

Mr Hopping, affectionately known as "Hoppy," was killed, along with 10 other people, on January 7 in a hot-air balloon crash in Carterton.

His service was held at St Mark's Anglican Church and mourners overflowed outside where they listened to tributes via speakers.

Among the crowd were Carterton Mayor Ron Mark, South Wairarapa Mayor Adrienne Staples, Wairarapa MP John Hayes, Carterton Fire Brigade volunteers, Carterton District councillors and police officers.

Some of those who knew Mr Hopping through ballooning were dressed in crew overalls, and several motorcycles were parked on the lawn of the church.

Mourners joined in a chorus of Cat Stevens' Morning Has Broken and, on the edge of the crowd, some had shared a drink for their mate.

The Reverend Jenny Chalmers, who released her notes from the service to the Times-Age, said Mr Hopping was an experienced balloon pilot and an active member of the community, especially through his work as a truancy officer.

"Lance was also a good, true and loyal friend.

"It goes without saying that he was deeply loved by his family," she said.

He was to marry his partner of 15 years, Nina Kelynack, at Easter and was also a motorbike enthusiast and family man.

"Instead we are here, grieving for a man who truly made a difference.

"We are grieving for a man who is our hero," Ms Chalmers said.

Friends Peter King, Matt Carter and Gary McPhee also spoke in tribute to Mr Hopping.

After the service, Mr Hopping's son, Henare, led the scores of motorcycles to Clareville Lawn Cemetery.

Other services for victims of the balloon tragedy have also been held.

Chrisjan Jordaan, 21, was farewelled at Wellington's Michael Fowler Centre on Saturday, while a service for his girlfriend Alexis Still, 19, was held at the same venue yesterday.