The horrific head-on collision which claimed the life of a 40-year-old Dubbo man near Tweed Heads occurred only days after he relocated to Brisbane, it was revealed yesterday. Close friends and family gathered last Thursday night to farewell Martin Pahlow, who was temporarily moving to Brisbane to begin work with a brother based there. Mr Pahlow left Dubbo on Friday. He died shortly before midday on Sunday after he lost control of his motorcycle while travelling along Clothiers Creek Road, near Cabarita Beach on the Tweed Coast, and smashed into an oncoming Holden sedan. A labourer by trade, Mr Pahlow grew up in Dubbo where his musical ability made him a well-known figure in Dubbo's live music scene. Friends and family yesterday recalled a larger than life character who was well regarded by those who knew him for his larrikin streak. "He was just a completely loyal friend that was always good to people that were good to him," Martin's younger brother Nick, said yesterday. "He was a good bloke and he's going to be missed by many. "The effect he had on people was that they remained a friend for life and will go on as friends for after life." Nick said Martin, who was unmarried, was particularly fond of his two children and grew to consider them as his own. Martin left behind 13 nieces and nephews, and six brothers and sisters. "My two kids Samantha and Luke came to be like his two kids, he would visit them every day," Nick said. "He loved them enormously and they loved him." Martin's father Gil became a well-known member of the Dubbo community during the 22 years he spent as a service clerk in the administration office of Dubbo Base Hospital before relocating with his wife, Mary, to Queanbeyan in 1999. They both travelled to Dubbo upon hearing the news. Long-time friend, Daniel Pobje, described Martin as a "genuine bloke" who was known by many for his selflessness. "He was the type of the person who would give you the shirt off his back," Mr Pobje said. "He was a really complimentary bloke who would always take a genuine interest in you and what you we're doing." A funeral is expected to be held on Friday at 2pm at St Brigid's Catholic Church. Nick says Martin's friends are invited to honour his memory over a beer at the Garden Hotel following the service.