John Kleinig loved to have a good time.
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According to his family and friends, the independent 21-year-old was always out partying with friends.
The former Dubbo South High School student was doing just that on New Year's Eve when he was tragically killed in a car accident.
"He was a top bloke, the best mate you could ask for," best friend Josh Thornbury told the Daily Liberal yesterday.
"He was the type of bloke who would do everything he could for you. No matter what the time was, you could just give him a call and he'd be there for you."
Parents Jeffery and Janette said they had been devastated by the loss of the eldest of their three children.
"It's very hard - there's just no way you can prepare yourself for this," Mrs Kleinig said.
"I only hope he was with his true friends at the time and he was doing what he wanted."
Mr Kleinig added John had always been an outgoing person who enjoyed a big circle of friends.
"He was highly regarded at his work at McKay's Communications - he was a hard worker and his boss said he was a credit to us," Mr Kleinig said.
"John loved VL Commodores and loved being with his mates.
"He played a bit of soccer when he was younger and liked to play Oztag as well.
"He loved to go pigging and he really loved his dog, Zeus.
"He was a wonderful big brother and loved being with Jodie and Josh."
Mr Thornbury said he and other friends got together on Saturday to "sort things out" and try to deal with their grief.
"I had seen John that afternoon (before he died) and he told me that he would meet me at the Commercial at midnight," he said.
"Our last words to each other were 'make sure you're there'.
"I got there and when I found out what had happened, I just couldn't believe it - I just cried and cried, it's a tragedy."
Mr Thornbury said John had loved hanging out with friends.
"He was out to have a good time," he said.
"Mention the word party and he was there.
"John certainly made the most of his 21 years."
Mrs Kleinig said she wanted other young people to heed the message behind her son's death.
"I just hope others learn that you can't just jump into a car and assume everyone is OK," she said.
"And always wear a seatbelt - that's been the hardest thing for us, knowing that John wasn't wearing a seatbelt.
"He will be greatly missed by all his friends, especially Keira."
Mr Kleinig added: "If someone can read this and it will prevent someone else's loss, then maybe this happened for a reason."
John will be farewelled by loved ones at his funeral tomorrow, with friends working on a permanent reminder of their high-spirited mate.
"Most of John's mates are getting a tattoo - a mark on our arm to remember him by," Mr Thornbury said.
"There's no way you'll ever replace John."