Jon Huntsman Sr. Has Passed Away

Prayers for the Huntsman family. We’ve just learned that Jon Huntsman Sr. has passed away. He was 80.

Jon Huntsman Sr., a billionaire philanthropist and businessman whose son Jon Jr. is ambassador to Russia, has died at age 80, Huntsman’s assistant confirmed on Friday afternoon.

A cause of death was not immediately released.

Huntsman was the founder and longtime executive chairman of Huntsman Corp., a $13 billion company that refines raw materials that go into thousands of products. He also served in the Nixon administration as staff secretary to President Richard Nixon.

Mitt Romney released a lengthy statement.

With Jon Huntsman’s passing, we lose a Lion of Utah. Ann and I will profoundly miss our good friend’s broad smile, his hearty handshake and his example of faith, honor, and integrity. See my full statement on Facebook: https://t.co/vhSpbQ6EN2

— Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) February 2, 2018

With Jon Huntsman’s passing, we lose a Lion of Utah. Jon raised an extraordinary family, built one of America’s most prominent corporations, and contributed hundreds of millions of dollars to heal the sick, provide relief to the injured, and bring hope to future generations. From providing care and employment to people in earthquake-ravaged Armenia to building libraries of learning here at home, Jon was relentlessly devoted to helping others.

Jon Huntsman’s greatest legacy will be as a healer of men. In founding and personally guiding the Huntsman Cancer Center, he opened the path to cures that have extended life for thousands and may someday defeat cancer for millions.

Jon and I have been friends for decades; our families have been friends for generations. He generously gave to the Salt Lake Olympics and provided me with essential counsel. He was the first to volunteer financial support for my campaign for president of the United States. Ann and I will profoundly miss our good friend’s broad smile, his hearty handshake and his example of faith, honor, and integrity.

More reaction:

Senator Hatch on the passing of Jon Huntsman Sr., "committed public servant, a visionary businessman, and perhaps the greatest philanthropist our state has ever known.." #utpol pic.twitter.com/K4NoV87oYM

— Senator Hatch Office (@senorrinhatch) February 2, 2018

My full statement on the passing of my friend, Jon Huntsman, Senior. #utpol pic.twitter.com/cE5HreIe1h

— Rep. Mia Love (@RepMiaLove) February 2, 2018

Words fail to describe the impact of Jon Huntsman Sr. Though his legacy of service, charitable causes and commitment to cancer research will live on his loss is heart breaking. #utpol pic.twitter.com/MhQmu2JDqy

— Rep. John Curtis (@RepJohnCurtis) February 2, 2018

Sending love and prayers to my friends @HuntsmanAbby @HuntsmanLiddy @HuntsmanMame & the entire Huntsman family. Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jon Huntsman Sr. – one of the truly great American public servants & philanthropists.

— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) February 2, 2018

So sad. Prayers for the Huntsman family.