George Gosbee, the CEO of AltaCorp Capital and a former co-owner of the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes, has died.

According to a statement released by AtlaCorp on Monday, Gosbee died suddenly Sunday night at the age of 48. Details of his death have not been released.  

“On behalf of AltaCorp Capital, it is with great sorrow that we confirm our founder and colleague George Gosbee passed away suddenly,” said Paul Sarachman, president of AltaCorp Capital, in a statement.

According to the statement, Sarachman will be assuming the role of CEO.

Canada’s energy sector expressed memories of Gosbee, with GMP FirstEnergy deputy chairman Jim Davidson praising his leadership.

“George was a larger-than-life figure. He was gregarious, outgoing, fun to be around, [had a] big laugh, smart, engaging and a really good leader,” he told BNN in an interview on Tuesday. “He could bring people to his side and show them a path. That’s what leaders are supposed to do. He will be sorely missed in the community of Calgary for sure.”

Also among those who expressed their condolences was Dave Mowat, president and CEO of ATB Financial, which is an investor in and partial owner of AltaCorp.

“George was a gifted, visionary leader in the financial and business community, not only in Calgary but across Canada,” Mowat said in an e-mail sent to BNN on Monday.

“I’m proud to have worked with George and to have known him as a compassionate and energetic person who gave so much to our province and our country. He will be missed in countless ways,” Mowat added.

Gosbee had worked for more than 20 years in Calgary’s financial industry. Before launching AltaCorp, he was the founder, president and CEO of global energy investment firm Tristone Capital Global Inc.

He also spent eight years as the vice chairman of the Alberta Investment Management Company (AIMCo).

Gosbee was also a member of Ottawa’s Economic Advisory Council under the administrations of Justin Trudeau and former Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

In 2013 he led a group to purchase the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes and restructure the club.

“George was a tremendous person and passionate hockey fan who played a key role in keeping the Coyotes in Arizona,” said Coyotes owner Andrew Barroway.

He was also active in several charities, including Calgary Meals on Wheels and Ducks Unlimited Canada.