His widow, Vicki Pullen, will now be organising the retrieval of her husband's body instead of celebrating their wedding anniversary.
"He was there to keep Singleton safe in case a bush fire broke out and just to save people's lives," she told 7 News.
Vicki Pullen described the hit and run driver as a gutless coward.
A family member said Ian Pullen was a "very loving, gentle young man who just embraced life to the max".
"[He was] always up for a challenge and loved his family like there was no tomorrow," she said.
The Whanganui Chronicle understands Ian Pullen's wife Vicki as well as his mother and oldest son, Troy, will travel to Australia on Thursday.
Friends of Pullen say he was a man who inspired others to get into helicopter flying and a was also a keen beekeeper.
It's believed Pullen was struck down some time between 4am and 5.30am on Saturday morning.
New South Wales police released a statement hoping for information that could help track down the driver.
They are also seeking information in relation to a silver hatchback which was seen to pull up alongside the man's body about 5.30am.
A female driver was seen to get out of the vehicle and check on the man before driving away again.
If you have any information that may help police with their investigation please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
