Trailblazing Canberra businessman Terry Snow has died, aged 80.
He died overnight Saturday, leaving an incredible legacy in property development and philanthropy, including the evolution of the Canberra airport.
"I'm feeling heartbroken," his wife Ginette said.
"Terry was such a wonderful, loving husband, father and grandfather. He was an incredible man with such a passion for life. I'm so proud of his achievements and what he's contributed to our community."
Funeral details have not yet been released.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr paid tribute to Mr Snow as a "great Canberran".
"On behalf of the ACT government, we send our sincerest condolences to the Snow family on the loss of a great Canberran, Terry Snow," Mr Barr said.
"Terry leaves behind an incredible legacy that will be long remembered in our city.
"To his family, at this hard time, we send our deepest sympathy.
"Terry was an amazing person and lived a remarkable life. Vale, Terry."
It was only in May that Mr Snow announced he was retiring as executive chairman of the Canberra Airport and the Capital Property Group.
Mr Snow's son Stephen Byron remained as airport and group chief executive. His other son Tom Snow is the new chair of the airport board.
From a larrikin kid who grew up in Queanbeyan, the son of a publican, to a billionaire who regularly appeared on Rich Lists, Mr Snow had said in the past that money was never his motivation.
"I'm very passionate about what I do and I think the reason I've been successful is because of this passion and commitment. And it's not about money. My life is not about money," Mr Snow said earlier this year.
He also imbued his family with a sense of giving back and helping out, The Snow Foundation distributing more than $80 million to a million of causes since 1991.
Last year, it was announced that the Snow family had donated $100 million over 10 years to establish a world-leading immunology research centre in Melbourne to find answers to autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Mr Snow's horse Quincy B, with rider Jayden Brown, competed with the Australian dressage team at the Paris Olympics on Saturday night, Canberra time, a poignant finale given Mr Snow's devotion to horses in the latter years of his life.
FAMILY STATEMENT
Mr Snow's family released a full statement on Sunday afternoon just after 5pm.
"It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Terry Snow AM, 80, of natural causes," the statement said.
"A remarkable member of the community, Terry was a beloved husband, father and grandfather, as well as a dedicated philanthropist and businessman whose impact on our city of Canberra and the nation will always be loved.
"His legacy is the bold projects he undertook, including the developments at Canberra Airport and Airport Business Parks, Constitution Place, Denman Prospect and Willinga Park, on the South Coast. His unwavering dedication to building outstanding developments reflects a commitment to excellence and quality that will resonate for generations to come.
"The grandson of Civic's first general store owner, Terry was a business leader with his innovative spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence.
"He transformed the Canberra Airport precinct into a world-class aviation hub after it was purchased from the federal government in 1998.
"He was a true entrepreneur: when he had an idea, he pursued it doggedly, taking risks and pushing the boundaries of architectural design.
"Terry was more than a successful businessman; he mentored numerous people in their businesses and pursuit of their dreams. Terry's generosity touched the lives of many, and he lived by his own words, 'If you see someone struggling you give them a helping hand'.
'EVERYDAY GENEROSITY'
"Beyond his everyday generosity, his profound dedication to philanthropy began initially in the Canberra region when, in his mid-40s with his brother George, he created The Snow Foundation in 1991. Over the past 15 years, his generosity extended across Australia as he grew The Snow Foundation and, more recently, established Snow Medical, driven by a deep sense of social responsibility.
"In his 60s, he purchased land at Bawley Point on the South Coast, but instead of retiring, he feverishly built an incredible world-renowned property, Willinga Park, with remarkable equestrian facilities.
"Terry's life was so much more than a property developer and philanthropist. He was a family man and a man who sought adventures and immense challenges. He packed an enormous amount into his 80 years.
A LIFE WELL LIVED
"He was an avid fisherman and bushwalker and loved camping with his family. He was an aeroplane and helicopter pilot, and he took up cycling in his 40s and rode across Australia. He also sailed around Australia. Later in life, he immersed himself in country life, taking up horse riding at 65 years old.
"Terry leaves a legacy of kindness, philanthropy, and business excellence. His spirit will continue to inspire us all, and his contributions will be felt for many years to come.
"He was a deeply loved husband to Ginette, father to Scarlett Gaffey, Tom Snow, Georgina Byron, and Stephen Byron, and grandfather to 14 grandchildren and brother to Michael and George. "He will be truly missed by his family.
"With heartfelt gratitude, Ginette, Scarlett, Tom, Georgina and Stephen."
