A celebration of the life of Wanaka helicopter pilot Matthew Wallis will be held at Wanaka Airport today.

The 39-year-old's body was located last Monday after his helicopter crashed into Lake Wanaka two days prior.

A letter from Wallis' brothers posted on Facebook says Matthew left a lasting impression on everyone he met, with his warm character and huge smile filling a room.

Queenstown-Lakes Deputy Mayor Calum MacLeod says Matthew was well-loved and respected.

He described the Wallis family as the "tall totara of the village", and said it was incredibly sad to see one of the members fall.

MacLeod said the "thoughts and love of the whole community" go out to the entire Wallis family.

As many as 1500 people are expected to turn out for this afternoon's celebration.

MacLeod says the tight-knit community is rallying around each other.

"I can't speak for the Wallis family, but I certainly can for the local community - and everyone is incredibly sad and keen to come out and celebrate the life of a wonderful man."

Matthew Wallis was the son of Warbirds over Wanaka founder, Sir Tim Wallis