Authorities have confirmed that Mat Kavanagh, of Alexandra, lost his life in the bushfire-related motor vehicle accident at Thornton last Friday (Jan. 3).

Mr Kavanagh, 43, died Mat Kavanagh, 43, died in a two-car crash at Thornton. The dad of two had ­extinguished seven unattended campfires before the crash on the Goulburn Valley Hwy.

Mr Kavanagh’s wife Jude paid tribute to her husband, describing him as “positive, happy, smart, passionate, funny and loyal”.

Alexandra neighbour Graeme Matthews was quoted in the Herald Sun as saying that his friendship with Mr Kavanagh was like that of mates Tim Taylor and Wilson in the TV sitcom Home ­Improvement.

“I swear he knew the names of the fish in the Goulburn river, he was that good,” he said.

Forest Fire Management Victoria chief fire officer Chris Hardman said the 10-year veteran’s death had devastated Mr Kavanagh’s loved ones and colleagues.

“I can’t imagine what the family are going through and what Matt’s colleagues are going through,” he said. “It is such a very sad day.”

“We always used to talk over the fence,” he said. “We loved to have a beer together,” Mr Hardman was quoted to say in the Herald Sun report.

The funeral service celebrating the life of Mr Kavanagh will be held on Tuesday (Jan. 14) at 11am at the Shire Hall, Grant St, Alexandra.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated. No suits or ties by request. Please wear bright colours (waders acceptable). It is recommended that Leckie Park be used for parking. Arrangements are in the hand of McCormack Funerals