Footrot Flats creator Murray Ball has died. He was aged 78.
According to reports, the iconic Kiwi cartoonist had been ill for some time, and had been suffering from Alzheimer’s.
It’s understood he died at home, surrounded by family.
Wal’s character was apparently based on Ball’s cousin Arthur Waugh. Photo: Facebook
Ball’s famous Footrot Flats comic strips were based on characters Wal and his farmdog called ‘Dog’.
They were a constant of New Zealand life, running as a regular feature in New Zealand newspapers for over 20 years after first hitting pages in the mid-70s.
The comic strip would also be made into a stage show and the movie 1986 Footrot Flats: The Dog’s Tale.
Fans of Ball have taken to social media offering their condolences following news of the cartoonist’s death.
Comedian Cal Wilson posted on Twitter: Sad to hear that Murray Ball has died. What a huge part of my childhood. Horse was always my favourite.
The All Blacks also posted a touching tribute, calling the cartoonist ‘iconic’.
Others posted messages remembering Ball’s comic influence on their early lives.
The hardworking satirist was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2002 for services as a cartoonist.
Ball originally hailed from Manawatu but was a long-time resident of Gisborne.
He is survived by his wife Pam of 53 years, and his three children.
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