Frank Carson always made people happy, says comedian Ken Dodd
Comedian Ken Dodd has paid tribute to Frank Carson saying "he always made people happy".
The Belfast-born comic died on Wednesday after battling poor health for some time. He was 85.
Belfast City Council has opened a book of condolence at City Hall in his memory.
Famous for his sayings "it's a cracker" and "it's the way I tell 'em", Carson came to prominence in the 1960s after winning Opportunity Knocks.
He leaves a wife, Ruth, daughter Majella and sons Tony and Aidan, as well as 10 grandchildren.
"He loved to laugh and he loved jokes," Mr Dodd said.
"He had a natural way of giving you the feel-good feeling.
"You have only got to say Frank Carson and people smile right away."
Mr Dodd said his fellow comedian loved his family and was very proud of his children and their success.
Carson's son Tony told BBC Radio Ulster that he was a father first and a celebrity second.
"He was a pain in the butt, in the nicest way," he said.
"He was non-stop."
"Dad was kind and generous, he had great affection for us all, especially his grandchildren as he got older and had more time on his hands.
"He had such a positive outlook on life, on everything. There was definitely a child within that wanted to have fun and give fun.
"Laughter is the best exercise for the heart and he got plenty of exercise for his."
The Carson family plan to bring Frank back to Belfast for burial on Saturday 3 March.
In statement, they said: "He went peacefully at his home in Blackpool surrounded by his greatest fans - his extended family.
"We will be taking him home to Belfast to lay him to rest and celebrate his joyful life.
"It's quieter down here now. God help them up there!"
The first and deputy first ministers, Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness said the comedian would be remembered with "special fondness".
"A bit of colour has dropped out of everyone's life following the death of Frank Carson, but his laughter will echo around his native Belfast, and farther afield, for years to come," they said.
"He was a warm, funny and generous-hearted man who dispensed sunshine to everyone he met and was a great ambassador for his homeland."
The former bishop of Londonderry, Edward Daly, booked the comedian to perform to sell-out crowds at St Columb's Hall in the city nearly a 100 times in the 1960s.
He said he spoke to him by telephone last Sunday.
"Frank was a good man - he certainly made my life a whole lot more enjoyable," he said.
"He helped me and I think I helped him too."
As the news of his death broke on Wednesday night many stars took to the social networking site Twitter to share their memories.
Simon Pegg, actor
Thanks very much and goodnight to Frank Carson. It was the way he told them. Funny man.
Ant McPartlin, presenter and one half of Ant and Dec
Sad news about Frank Carson. Had the pleasure of working with him and he was a real gent. Very funny man. Thoughts are with his family.
Declan Donnelly, the other half of Ant and Dec
We were lucky enough to work with Frank Carson, I've never laughed as hard as I did in rehearsals with him. Legend.
Lenny Henry, comedian and actor
Fella went into B&Q. He says: 'I want some nails.' The guy said: 'How long d'you want em?'. Fella said: 'I wanna keep em.' R.I.P
Rufus Hound, comedian
Saw Frank give out an award at industry do 18 months ago. Everyone 'too cool' to be there. All presenters ignored - Frank got an ovation.
Danny Baker, presenter
Backstage, the mighty Carson would hand you signed pics of himself from his jacket pockets several times a night whether you'd asked or not.
Rebecca Front, actress
I met Frank Carson once for about 10 minutes and he made me laugh for all 10. Genuinely funny man.
Ian Wright, footballer
Sad news about Frank Carson. Rest in peace. A very funny man.
Lionel Blair, entertainer
Extremely upset to hear the news that Frank Carson has passed away. My thoughts are with his family. I will deeply miss him.