The celebrity chef, Ross Burden, died on the 17th July after a battle with cancer.
Originally from New Zealand, Burden made a name for himself in the UK when he reached the final of MasterChef in 1993.
He went on to make regular appearances on the cooking show Ready, Steady, Cook alongside Ainsley Harriott.
Burden and Harriott produced several best-selling cookery books together.
He returned home to New Zealand in 2010, where he hosted New Zealand's version of MasterChef.
The 45-year-old chef was diagnosed with a form of leukaemia last July, but died after contracting an infection during a bone marrow transplant.
His sister, Kirsten Hughes, described her sibling as a 'larger than life' figure: "He's just a friendly, compassionate guy - nothing was too much trouble. He was my big, fantastic incredible, larger-than-life brother."
She also said he was close to completing a Masters in Maori Studies at Auckland University just before his death.
Burden is survived by his sister, mother Anne and extended family.
Stars and chefs alike have tweeted tributes and offered their condolences.
So sad to hear about Ross Burden. He gamely endured our daytime prattings on Light Lunch for years. A joy to be around. A proper gent. RIP.
— Sue Perkins (@sueperkins) July 28, 2014
Just read about passing of old colleague Ross Burden. My Sympathy to all his loved ones and family. Lovely lovely man .
— Toyah Willcox (@toyahofficial) July 28, 2014
Just heard some sad sad new, RIP Ross Burden ( ready steady cook) , condolences to his family and friends x
— James Tanner (@jamestanner01) July 20, 2014
Just heard the sad news my old Ready, Steady, Cook colleague Ross Burden has passed away. My thoughts go out to friends and family. RIP Ross
— James Martin (@jamesmartinchef) July 20, 2014
I'm so sorry to hear the news that Ross Burden has died.. appearing for years in Ready, Steady Cook, my thoughts are with his family x
— Paul Hollywood (@PaulHollywood) July 17, 2014
