Philadelphia Flyers founder and chairman, Ed Snider, passed away Monday at the age of 83. Snider, a billionaire entrepreneur and owner of Comcast-Spectacor, the Flyers' parent company, had been battling bladder cancer for over two years.

Snider's passing came only two days after his beloved team had secured an unexpected NHL playoff berth when they defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins on the same day as the Boston Bruins dropped a game against the Ottawa Senators. Many Flyers players had pointed to Mr. Snider's influence as a reason for the team's shocking run to the postseason.

"Our Dad was loved and admired for his big heart, generosity of spirit, and dedication to his family," Snider's children wrote in a statement. "Despite his considerable business achievements and public profile, he was first and foremost a family man. He never missed a birthday, important family event or the opportunity to offer encouragement. We turned first to him for advice in our personal and professional lives. We grew up tagging behind him in arenas, stadiums and locker rooms; and his players, management and team personnel were our extended family. He treated his employees with respect regardless of rank or position, and the man they called 'Mr. Snider' always would have preferred simply to be called 'Ed.'"

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman offered his condolences as well, calling Snider "the soul and spirit of the Flyers" whose passion and competitiveness drove the team to success from the start of the very first season in 1967 to today.

"While the loss of Ed Snider tears a hole in the heart of the Flyers and the city of Philadelphia, and leaves a massive void in the city's sports landscape, it also challenges all who knew him to carry forward the great works that are his legacy," Bettman wrote.

Snider's legacy is considerable. He was the treasurer and vice president of the Philadelphia Eagles when he, in conjunction with Jerry Wolman, brought the Flyers to Broad Street.

Seven years later, the Flyers became the first expansion team to win a Stanley Cup championship.

"The passion he has for hockey and Philadelphia hockey is really great to see," Flyers captain Claude Giroux said prior to this season, when he and the team took a trip to visit the ailing Snider at his California home.

Snider won't be able to watch as the Flyers continue their improbably successful first season under new head coach Dave Hakstol and GM and former Flyers player Ron Hextall, but judging by the outpouring of support and the kind words from family, friends, former and current Flyers players, and those associated with the NHL, he'll be sorely, sorely missed.

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