Billionaire David Koch, who changed the course of politics in America by pouring his money into conservative coffers, has died at age 79.
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my brother David,” Charles Koch said in a statement Friday. “Anyone who worked with David surely experienced his giant personality and passion for life.”
In addition to donating to conservative causes and candidates, the Koch brothers also donated generously to educational, medical and cultural groups over the years, according to The Associated Press.
Charles said his brother was diagnosed with prostate cancer 27 years ago and given five years to live.
“David liked to say that a combination of brilliant doctors, state-of-the-art medications and his own stubbornness kept the cancer at bay,” Charles said in a statement. “We can all be grateful that it did, because he was able to touch so many more lives as a result.”
Both Koch brothers had an estimated net worth of $50.5 billion in 2012, tied for fourth place on the Forbes 500 list of the nation’s richest men.
At the time of his death, David was worth $42.4 billion, according to NBC News.
In addition to his brother, he is survived by his wife, Julia, and three children.
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