The Dean of Belfast Dr Jack Shearer, has died at the age of 74. The tireless charity worker - known as the 'Black Santa' because of his annual Christmas black caped fund-raising sit-outs on the steps of Belfast's St Anne's Cathedral - had been ill since suffering a heart attack on New Year's Eve.
Over 15 years his week-long charity sit-outs became a major feature of Christmas for the people of Belfast and their generosity boosted his fund-raising tally to £2 million.
Last Christmas was his final stint on the steps of the Church of Ireland cathedral - he had been due to retire in May - and he raised a staggering £400,000 in donations from passers-by in the most successful collection ever.
The Vicar Choral at St Anne's, Canon Raymond Fox, said today: "It is tragic after such a successful sit-out for the Dean to have such a major heart attack. The whole Cathedral family are devastated.
"Last June he celebrated 50 years ordination and a long, long history in very many places. Every single place he put his 100 per cent energy into the ministry."
The Church of Ireland primate, Archbishop Robin Eames, today paid tribute to Dean Shearer.
He said his leadership and influence during his time as Dean of Belfast had been immense.
Archbishop Eames, speaking from Australia where he was on a family visit, said: "He inspired us all by the way in which he dealt with so many problems, the way in which he inspired the whole community each Christmas and the why in which he encouraged the partnership between St Anne's Cathedral and St Patrick's Catholic Cathedral in Belfast in very difficult times."
When Dean Shearer ended his final Christmas collection last month he assured people the sit-out's would continue.
"The Bishop has decreed that 'Black Santa duty' is on the job specification for my successor as Dean, he is determined to see it carry on," he joked.
PA