Vancouver's mayor has proclaimed June 1 as 'Ms Fei Fei Day' to commemorate the birthday of entertainer Lydia Sum Tin-ha (also known as Lydia Shum), whose funeral was taking place on the outskirts of the Canadian city on Wednesday.
Sam Sullivan called Sum - better known as 'Fei Fei' or 'Fatty' - a 'wonderful contributor' of Hong Kong culture in Vancouver, and said he, too, was a fan and often tuned into her television programmes to learn Cantonese.
'We are sad to hear of the passing of one of the greatest comedians, the biggest stars, and most of all, a loving and wonderful mother,' Mr Sullivan said at a city council meeting on Tuesday attended by Sum's only child, Joyce Cheng Yan-yee.
'I would like to acknowledge her legacy as a great artist and as a great supporter of many community services in Vancouver.'
Wearing a black dress and a white flower in her hair, Ms Cheng, 20, accepted a copy of the mayor's proclamation and thanked city officials for the designation.
'I know right now my mother must be laughing out loud - her signature laugh, loud and proud - knowing that her birthday this year will be Ms Fei Fei Day in the city of Vancouver,' she said.