Lucy Lawless' father passes away

Superstar Kiwi actress Lucy Lawless has posted a loving tribute online to her father, a former longtime suburban Auckland mayor, after he died yesterday.

Frank Ryan, the former mayor of Mt Albert, died peacefully surrounded by his wife, Julie, and children, according to a death notice in today's Weekend Herald.

Lawless, who rose to fame as the star of Xena: Warrior Princess, posted a tribute to her father on Facebook yesterday afternoon.

"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!"

Former Auckland City mayor Christine Fletcher said Ryan was an "absolute stalwart" for his community.

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."

Fletcher also acknowledged the support Ryan received from his wife. and said he would not have been the mayor he was without her support.

• This article was first published on nzherald.co.nz and is republished here with permission.