Tributes flow for businessman Alan Bond

Tributes have continued to flow for controversial businessman Alan Bond, who died on Friday aged 77.

Mr Bond never regained consciousness after open-heart surgery at Mount Hospital on Tuesday to replace a valve and repair two others.

His first wife, Eileen, said in The West Australian newspaper's obituaries on Monday that Mr Bond was a wonderful family man and a friend to many.

Car dealership tycoon John Hughes and his wife Margarita also expressed their condolences, describing Mr Bond as an extraordinary businessman who had a significant effect on Mr Hughes's business life.

A funeral Mass for Mr Bond will be held at Fremantle's St Patrick's Basilica on Friday.

A private burial will follow.

The Royal Perth Yacht Club, where Mr Bond staged his 1987 defence of the America's Cup, will mark his passing on Wednesday.