When satirist John Clarke passed away suddenly while hiking this week, he took many smiles with him.

Clarke was best known as one half of Clarke and Dawe and as writer of The Games. He's been described by peers as a 'brilliant' man.

Comedians, politicians, fans and broadcasters have been paying tribute to a comedic genius, a kind and private man, and a loyal friend.

John Clarke's family have been taking all this in, and this morning wanted to say thank you to the Australian public and acknowledge their 'collective hug'.

Lorin Clarke, John's eldest daughter, joined Jon Faine to talk about her 'great dad'.

"We all just feel so lucky to have that man in our lives, to shape our lives," she said.