Helen Clark‘s father, Frederick George Clark, has died age 103.

In a statement shared to Facebook, the former Prime Minister announced George died at his home in Waihi Beach on Saturday.

She described her father as a pillar of the Te Pahu and Waihi beach communities and a much-loved family member.

“Dad was a dedicated family man who always wanted the best for his daughters, and supported us all the way,” Clark wrote.

“He was born in a nursing home in Frankton on 8 March 1922 and into a farming family at Te Pahu. He attended Kaniwhaniwha Primary School and Mt Albert Grammar School, before returning to the family farm which he ran until his retirement to Waihi Beach with Mum in 1987.”

Earlier this year, Clark wrote about the amazing day she had with her father, known as George, in March when he turned 103.

“I hope I live to look as well as Dad does at this great age!’ she posted.

“It’s phenomenal, really,” Helen Clark said.

“Each of these birthdays since he turned 100 have been big milestones, and you never know which one will be the last. But Dad has a great determination to live, and right now, his goal is March 8.”

More to come