Footrot Flats creator Murrary Ball has passed away at 78 years of age

New Zealand Legend and Footrot Flats creator Murrary Ball has passed away today. Ball passed away at his rural Gisborne home, as friend and long time collaborator Tom Scott told The Press that he had received a phone call at 1pm today relaying the news of his dear friend.

He is survived by his wife Pam and children. Pam told Radio New Zealand in an interview in January last year that he has been suffering from Alzheimer's and that his health has been poor the last six years.

"Thank you Murray for the daily dose of joy," one woman posted on Facebook.

Another man expressed his sadness as the loss of a "legend".

"RIP Muzza. Your stories of Wal and the Dog will live forever," he said.

Another poster said he grew up reading Ball's cartoons, and had a whole collection of his comic books.