David Bonderman, who managed money for one of the richest families in Texas, helped create one of the giants of the private-equity business and pushed to bring professional hockey to Seattle, died Wednesday. He was 82.
Bonderman's death was announced by TPG, the asset-management firm he co-founded, his Wildcat Capital Management investment company, the Seattle Kraken hockey team, and his family.
They said he was surrounded by his family, but did not say where he died. A spokesperson for the Kraken said they would not disclose the cause of death.
For much of his career, Bonderman kept a low profile in public, rarely granting interviews with news organizations. He concentrated on corporate takeovers and other investments, many of which were highly profitable.
Forbes magazine estimated his wealth at $6.4 billion in April.
"Rarely the loudest person in the room, but often the smartest, David remained humble, once saying that his personal strength was ‘Not knowing a lot about something but knowing enough to make a decent decision,''' his family and companies said in a statement.
Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke said Bonderman played a role in creating the team's logo and brand.
''David was a visionary; unafraid to take on challenges and make bold decisions. He was smart, witty, curious, and humble,'' Leiweke said.