Saskatoon author Wes Funk has died.
His death, on Saturday, was confirmed to CBC News by Judith Silverthorne of the Saskatchewan Writers Guild.
A cause of death was not immediately available.
"Wes was a great son, uncle, brother and friend," a notice on a tribute Facebook page said. "He cared about everyone who came into his life. He was a great Saskatoon-based author and teacher. He loved his superheroes and has a collection of them and he especially loved the famous dead rock stars. He kept everyone and everything at peace. He was there for anyone when he had the time."
Among Funk's works are the novels Dead Rock Stars and Cherry Blossoms and a memoir Wes Side Story, published by Your Nickel's Worth Publishing.
The memoir, released in 2014, has been described as witty and brutally honest.
Funk was well-regarded for having a sense of humour and rooting his stories in the prairies.
In an interview with CBC Radio about Cherry Blossoms, Funk spoke with pride about the novel.
"I feel Cherry Blossoms is perhaps my best work," he said. The story is set in rural Saskatchewan and Saskatoon and follows a farm wife who comes to a crossroad in her life.
"In a fit of rage, one day, she just packs up her dog and a few clothes and heads to a new life in Saskatoon," he said. "It's a very down to earth, real story."
Funk said he worked especially hard to weave real landmarks and areas of Saskatoon into the narrative.
Very sad to learn of the passing of Wes Funk. Wes was a great friend, an awesome author, and an incredible person. He'll be missed. #yxe
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@MrOneDrink
#yxe So full of joy & life, daring to write, share & love #wesfunk you are loved you will be missed 2/18/69-10/10/15 pic.twitter.com/fscHZgBDan
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@AuKeeRa
We are deeply saddened by news of Wes Funk's passing. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this time. http://t.co/vfU99xSUfW
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@saskartsboard
RIP Wes Funk. A wonderful, warm & funny guy. An irreplaceable member of the #yxe literary community 😢
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@saskatoonauthor
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