Australian businessman, philanthropist and former Perth Wildcats owner Jack Bendat has died.
The American-born millionaire, who made his fortune in Western Australia and saved the Wildcats from financial uncertainty in 2006, has passed away at the age of 96.
WA Premier Mark McGowan has paid tribute to him as "a pioneer, a trailblazer, a giant of business and philanthropy".
"Jack Bendat was a man whose physical stature was defied by his inner toughness and an ability to deliver a quick quip," he said.
"Vale Jack Bendat, a proud Western Australian."
The Wildcats and the National Basketball League (NBL) have also led tributes.
"We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jack,“ Perth Wildcats CEO Troy Georgiu said.
NBL executive chairman Larry Kestelman applauded Bendat for his "incredible impact".
"Jack was a great man and the legacy he leaves behind is invaluable. He will forever be remembered as a giant in basketball and in the community," he said.
Bendat migrated from California to Perth in 1966 and made his first major returns developing shopping centres with another of the nation's biggest success stories, Kerry Stokes, and developer Kevin Merrifield.
He also ventured into media ownership, at times owning PMFM 94.5 and a stake in Western Australian Newspapers, the publisher of the state's daily paper The West Australian.
In 1986, Bendat established the first satellite television station in Australia, when he expanded the Golden West Network.
His interests also included Mount Barker's Goundrey and Fox River estates, which he sold for $62.5 million in 2002.
He also owned a stake in wine producer Ferngrove.
Bendat leads Wildcats to golden age
But in later years Bendat was best-known for his ownership and support of the Perth Wildcats, saving the basketball club with his purchase from former captain Andrew Vlahov in 2007.
The Wildcats went on to win six NBL championships under Bendat, their most successful period in an already illustrious history, as he also turned the club's focus towards community engagement.
"Jack was like, in many ways a dad to me and we spent so much time together," said former Wildcats chief executive Nick Marvin.
"My memories of Jack were about finishing work and having a whiskey with him at the end of the day."
Mr Marvin said Bendat's charity and philanthropy was inspired by his love for Western Australia.
"He felt that the Wildcats had this great ability to change lives, particularly those of the less fortunate, young kids and sick kids.
"And he felt that if we won and we're aspirational, we could give people hope, especially young kids (...)."
'He was hard, but fair': Vlahov
The sentiments were echoed by Olympian and former Wildcats owner Andrew Vlahov.
"He's a great businessman, and he's a great philanthropist," he said.
"And I would describe, and I do describe him to everyone, he's hard but fair. If you were doing the right thing he was very fair, and very generous, but he was tough.
"The team, the club, the players, the ex-players, and people around the state owe him a debt of gratitude."
Bendat leaves behind 'incredible legacy': SEG
The Wildcats were sold by Bendat to Sports Entertainment Group (SEG) in 2021.
"I've thoroughly enjoyed my time as chairman of the Perth Wildcats, but the time is right to move on."
SEG said he had left an "incredible legacy".
Bendat also donated a great deal to charity, including bequeathing $5 million for the establishment of the Bendat Family Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Perth in 2004.
He ran Bendat Houses, an organisation taking care of homeless youth.
In 2006 he was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Western Australia, and in 2009 was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his services to the community.
