John Clarke

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — John Clarke, 68, a comedian and political satirist beloved in Australia and New Zealand, died Sunday of natural causes while taking photographs of birds in the Grampians National Park, a three-hour drive from his home in Melbourne, Australia. Friend and former colleague Ross Stevenson said Clarke died from a heart attack.

His death had people from both countries reminiscing about the skits and songs Clarke performed.

Stevenson said Clarke had a great appreciation for the absurdity found in daily life and was driven by a passion for social causes and anger about injustice.