Ewen Gilmour is today being remembered as 'the perfect son-in-law” by Tauranga's Dr David Rorke, who is comforted knowing the New Zealand comedian is now at rest with his beloved late wife, Cathy.

The news of Ewen's death was announced this morning, with a spokesperson for the 51-year-old confirming he died in his sleep overnight.

Ewen Gilmour, who passed away at the age of 51.

'It is with deep sorrow that we confirm that comedian Ewen Gilmour has passed away of natural causes in the comfort of his own home overnight, at the age of 51.”

Speaking to SunLive today, David Rorke paid tribute to a man who was passionate about his family, and always there for them in times of need.

David and his late wife Jinty officially welcomed Ewen into their family when he married their daughter Cathy in 2003.

A few years into their marriage, Cathy was diagnosed with cancer. She died in February 2011, age 36.

'That was a long drawn-out thing, Cathy's passing, and Ewen was just fantastic the whole way,” says David.

'He was so supportive, and he had to try and be funny through all of it too.”

David says Ewen, who never remarried, kept in touch regularly after Cathy's passing, and often left flowers on Cathy's grave.

'She would have been 40 in September, and he visited her grave then to leave flowers.”

In February this year, when David's wife Jinty died, Ewen spoke at her funeral, praising his in-laws for their incredible support following Cathy's death.

'Cathy and Jinty were not just mother and daughter – they had a really genuine mateship. I'd like to think that you girls are together now. We will always miss you,” he said at the time.

David believes Ewen died of a heart attack, but was far too young.

Ewen's family released a statement this afternoon, describing him as someone who was larger than life.

'Ewen was a much loved and cherished member of our family. He was a larger than life character and by his very nature was kind, generous and always giving of his time to those who asked for his help.

'In addition to his comedy, he involved himself in a wide spectrum of events and activities, ranging from charitable initiatives through to involvement in local politics.

'He brought smiles and laughter wherever he went and to everyone he met, and as his family we will remember those happy memories forever.

'He was at such a great stage in his life – he had so much to live for and everything was going so well for him.

'The one comforting thought is that he is now at rest with his beloved late wife, Cathy.”

A statement from Ewen's publicist, Elephant Publicity, says Ewen was an award-winning, charming, ground breaking pioneer of comedy in this country and will be sorely missed.

'The whole comedy family here in New Zealand and across the world are grieving the shock loss of a comedy legend and a great friend.”