Friends and family of the 49-year-old were devastated to discover he was the cyclist found in a creek in Golden Square on Thursday morning.

Musician Albert Skipper believed Mr Thorpe would have touched thousands of peoples’ lives.

“His ears were open to everyone and he would somehow always be there when you needed to chat,” Mr Skipper said.

“Liam always found the balance between work and music and, of course, his commitment to his beautiful family.”

Mr Skipper also recalled Mr Thorpe’s contribution to the Bendigo music scene.

“It was well over 20 years. He was one of the strongest contributors to Bendigo’s music and is part of the foundations,” Mr Skipper said.

“If you have ever been to the Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival there is always one guy amongst all the big bands with just an acoustic and semi-husky voice singing songs of heartache, truth, love and life, and stories that makes you just stop and shut your eyes and go wow. You knew that was Liam.

“His honesty and generous soul moved so many people with his music. He could make a room stop and listen but he is never was fazed by how many were in the room whether it be a full house or just one he would give you the best show of your life.”

Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival director Colin Thompson said Mr Thorpe’s passion for the city’s music scene was endless and unwavering.

“Besides being a talented songwriter and musician, he was one of the very first people to approach me offering to help with development and delivery of the festival we all built together,” Mr Thompson said.

“His loss is being felt by our committee and crew, just like it is across Bendigo's entire music family.”

Mr Thompson said Mr Thorpe was selfless, supportive and encouraging.

“If we had more Liam Thorpes in Bendigo, our city could more easily live up to its reputation as a live music hub,” Mr Thompson said.

“He energised others with his enthusiasm and passion for seeing and hearing artists performing their own music. Together with his partner Lea, they organised and run door crews for BBRMF fundraiser events over the last eight years or so.

“He never put his own music or his own ego ahead of helping and supporting others and that's one of the things that really set Liam apart.

“His spirit will definitely live on in everything we do as a crew, for many years to come.”

Bendigo Health also paid tribute to Mr Thorpe, who worked with the organisation as a nurse from 1990 and rose to be an associate nurse unit manager for Psychiatry Extended Care, where he provided care for mental health patients and their families.

“Liam was known by his colleagues and patients as a calm, kind and compassionate nurse,” Bendigo Health said in a statement. “He stood up for what was right and advocated the highest respect for each individual.

“Liam’s musical interest was never far away when at work whether it be humming a tune while writing his notes or ‘serenading’ a nurse on night shift, he brightened our days and will be sadly missed.

“A patient recently captured Liam’s character saying ‘He was a good bloke who always looked after me’.”