`HE MADE the world a happier place'' and his friends said people all over it would be mourning his death, such was the lasting effect that Chris Horrocks had on those he met.
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Described as ``peaceful, good-natured and caring'' with a lust for life and travel, the Launceston 21-year-old died in Laos on Wednesday.
Mr Horrocks had been travelling through South-East Asia.
Yesterday the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed the death of a 21-year-old Australian man in Laos.
The cause of his death has not been officially released.
As news of the former Newstead College student's sudden death reached friends, online tributes came and his mates decided to hold a Launceston music festival in his honour.
Party in the Paddock organiser Jesse Higgs was a a close friend of Mr Horrocks, ``but the thing about Chris was, he had lots of good friends''.
Mr Higgs said he nearly cancelled the festival given the devastating news but decided to hold it in his mate's memory and make it an annual event.
``In reflecting on Chris, I know he really wanted to be there, he told me in a message . . . he loved everyone together having a good time,'' Mr Higgs said. ``He lived to make people happy.
``Everywhere he went he made life-long friends.''
Shocked former workmates spoke of their closeness to Mr Horrocks despite his departure from Red Herring Surf in Launceston more than two years ago.
``Every single one of us was very close to him,'' store manager Ange Peardon said.
``He was going to be great, and he will be greatly, greatly missed.''
The department said it was providing assistance to Mr Horrocks's family.
