Greg Tobin, 25, was thought to be working at Joe's Garage in the central city when the 6.3 magnitude quake struck.
Mr Tobin has not been officially named as one of the victims of the quake, but his family has released a statement remembering their son and brother.
"...we remember his vibrance and social spirit which we have come to realise embodies this entire island and is the reason why Greg felt comfortable enough to call Christchurch his home."
The family wanted to thank the International Urban Search and Rescue Teams including members of the New South Wales Fire and Rescue and the British High Commission team in Christchurch for their "selfless generosity".
They also wanted acknowledged their police family liaison officer, "whose patience we tested".
"The owners and staff of Joe's Garage who adopted Greg as their own. Our friends and family, old and new, who have kept the torch burning and to the family whose wing we have been taken under, we are eternally grateful.
"The fortitude and resilience of the people of Christchurch leave us in no doubt that they will rebuild this city."
