Sir Colin Giltrap's philanthropic reach was far and wide.
Charities, motorsport stars and sailors all benefited from his and his wife's generosity.
Sir Colin has supported most of New Zealand's household motorsport names including Brendon Hartley, Earl Bamber, Shane van Gisbergen and Mitch Evans.
Kiwi Supercars driver Fabian Coulthard has led the tributes online, posting to Facebook he was "saddened" to hear of Sir Colin's passing.
"He's done so much for motorsport not only in New Zealand but globally too, such a huge loss".
"Rest Well Sir" wrote former Carrera Cup Asia champion Chris van der Drift.
KartSport New Zealand, the organisation where many of the young drivers who Sir Colin supported would've started their careers, has posted about his influence.
"Sir Colin has been at the forefront of not just the motor industry but also one of the most influential and important supporters of a manner of sports and Kiwi athletes."
"The nation will forever be indebted to his quiet but substantial encouragement and assistance, which he delivered with so much humility to KartSport."
Emirates Team New Zealand said Sir Colin had been instrumental in helping and supporting so many sailors, sailing teams and sports teams over the years.
"We acknowledge his unwavering support of Emirates Team New Zealand and join the wider business and sporting fraternity in passing our respect and condolences to his family."
News of Sir Colin's death has reverberated around Taupō Motorsport Park ahead of this weekend's round of the Supercars Championship
Supercars legend Greg Murphy told Newshub Sir Colin's passing had been a "huge talking point in the paddock" and that there was "no doubt" he would be honoured in some way.
"Motorsport in this country would not be what it is without him."
While it would be difficult to put a dollar value on the amount Sir Colin had contributed, Murphy said the list of names speaks for itself.
"He loved being a part of [motorsport] and he had a great eye for talent."
"Those drivers who he has backed wear the Giltrap Group logo proudly."
Murphy said there was no doubt that his legacy would be honoured in some way this weekend.
The Giltrap name will be on the grid, with grandson Marco driving the Australian Carrera Cup Championship.
Sir Colin spoke of supporting young drivers in 2012
Mitch Evans burst onto the motorsport scene in 2010, winning the Toyota Racing Series before graduating to bigger racing series in Europe.
After being crowned GP3 champion, Evans faced a $3 million bill to move up into GP2, a step below Formula 1.
In 2012, Evans and Sir Colin spoke to Newshub about the importance of securing funding to be able to keep racing.
Sir Colin had already been backing Evans and was committed to helping him further.
"The wind blowing the right way I think we'll get there," Sir Colin said.
"There's no doubt that Mitch is, and they all know that, that he's he can get the pick of the drive because he's so good".
"It comes down to who's got the best package and who can deliver the best deal," Evans said.
Sir Colin then interrupted and said "price" before they both laughed.
Evans went on to finish second in the GP2 Championship, before moving to the fledgling Formula E series.
His backing of young drivers continues today, including Liam Lawson, Callum Hedge and his own grandson Marco Giltrap who are all climbing the ranks in their respective categories.
Sir Colin and his wife, Lady Jennifer, have also supported a number of charities.
According to NBR, the couple have backed the Starship Foundation, New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation, SPCA and Coastguard Northern Region.
In 2016, they pledged $250,000 for the creation of the Bruce McLaren Centre at Auckland University.
