Sunrise's Nat Barr devastated after beloved co-worker passes away

Sunrise host Natalie Barr has taken to Instagram to share a heartbreaking tribute to her good friend Garry Siutz, who worked as a hair and makeup artist for Channel Seven.

Garry passed away this week following a battle with skin cancer. He is survived by his partner Leonie, and their children Kiya and Oscar.

"It’s the saddest of weeks because our wonderful, fun, irreverent, talented as all hell friend and colleague [Garry Siutz] has passed away," Nat wrote. "He was the life of the makeup room.

"For years while he created magic at 4am we talked and laughed, about our families and the news and any good goss that was going around. He was a talker and so was I.

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"But mainly he was one of the most talented hair and makeup artists I’ve ever worked with in more than 30 years in TV. We travelled the world. He painted my face and did my hair everywhere from the backseat of a plane from London to New York as we raced to broadcast from 5 countries in 5 days, to a toilet in Dubai, a dodgy hotel in Rio, a beach on the Gold Coast, Carols in the Domain and many many more weird and wonderful places in between."

She added, "All of them filled with stories and memories and laughter To Leonie and Oscar and Kiya and family, we’ll never forget him here at [Sunrise] We loved you Gaz. Nat."

Many others shared comments of support for Nat and Garry's family and loved ones.

"Oh Nat, I’m so sorry to hear this," Lisa Wilkinson commented. "Gary was an absolute treasure. And so incredibly talented. Love to the entire @sunriseon7 team and his family and friends."

"Gaz was a light that shone so brightly," Melissa Hoyer added. "He bought so much love, laughter & talent into any room. May he RIP."

"He was such a treasure," Channel 7 newsreader Angela Cox wrote.

"I can't believe it," former Bachelor star Jacinda Gugliemino wrote. "He was so much fun to be around. He will be missed. Sending love Nat."

"OMG this is so sad..." Presenter Teigan Nash added. "Gaz! Your spirit will always live on! One of the best!"

Many others shared their condolences and sent love to Garry's family.

"How very sad. He sounds like a talented amazing guy," one follower commented.

"Condolences to everyone who loved and knew him. Thoughts are with you all," another added.

"Sorry for your loss Nat - he sounds amazing and so very talented and treasured," someone else wrote.

Channel 7 executive producer Sarah Stinson also shared a tribute to Garry, writing, "Our beautiful friend @garrysiutz passed away yesterday. A light has gone out that can never be replaced. Wildly eccentric, brave, hilarious and oh-so-interesting."

"His family meant everything to him."

"His passion for makeup was second to none, a magician that would transform mortals/muggles into models with just a wave of his wand," she wrote. "He made it look so easy and effortless. Of course it was anything but. Constantly excited by his home aquarium and developing coral … while in LA on a work trip he convinced me to drive 2 hours out of the city to pick up bulk fish food from a discount aquarium shop (only to have customs confiscate it on the way home). Always an adventure, always a story."

She added, "If there was ever a problem that needed solving, or tears that needed drying, Garry was there. Applying copious amounts of foundation to cover blotchy skin, disguise puffy eyes & just a ‘lick of lip’ before whipping out his prized deck of Angel Cards to reassuringly predict a much brighter future. Worked every time. He loved roller coasters, cheese platters, crystals, the moon and nothing more than telling long detailed stories about anything and everything … laughter followed him wherever he went. So dearly loved and will be so deeply missed. What a privilege to have a friend like you Gaz."

Kylie Gillies commented, "Loved him. To bits," while Larry Emdur added, "What an absolute legend. He gave us more stories and more belly laughs than anyone else in the biz. We will miss him and the world will miss him."

Sally Obermeder also wrote, "He was like no other. What a privilege to have known him and loved him."

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