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Kiwi star Lucy Lawless said goodbye to her father, who died late last week, with a lovingly penned online tribute.
It’s understood a death notice, published in The Weekend Herald, announced the former long-standing suburban Auckland mayor, Frank Ryan, died peacefully, surrounded by his wife and children.
Lawless, best known for her role in the iconic television series Xena: Warrior Princess, took to Facebook yesterday to share photos of her much-loved dad, and to post a special tribute.
She wrote: “O mio Babbino Caro! A wonderful husband, father and grandfather shuffled off his mortal coil today. So we celebrate his life, his many kindnesses and his public spiritedness. From humble beginnings, he made a sensational job of it. He was lots of fun. Mayor of Mt Albert 1968-1990. Shine on!”
The post has since been met with an outpouring of condolences from her multitude of fans, with many offering touching words of support.
The actress would appear to be close to her family as this beautiful gallery of photos taken with her mother Julie, in 2016, shows.
Former Auckland City mayor Christine Fletcher told The Herald on Sunday she had admired and respected Mr Ryan’s leadership.
“He was someone who had a strong social conscience,” she said.
“Frank was always there for the little guy. He was financially conservative, but that was not an excuse for forgetting those that were less advantaged.”
Incumbent Auckland City Mayor Phil Goff is also mourning the loss of his father.
A death notice in the New Zealand Herald this week announced Bruce Goff died peacefully aged 96, at Elmwood Hospital on Wednesday.
