SALT LAKE CITY — Utah businessman, billionaire and philanthropist Jon Huntsman Sr. is being remembered by local and national leaders for his service and philanthropic efforts in the community.

Huntsman Sr. died Friday at age 80 after battling a painful inflammatory disorder called polymyalgia rheumatica.

Huntsman Sr.'s previous struggles with cancer led him to found the Huntsman Cancer Institute and secure lucrative donation funds to that center through the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. His goal was to completely eradicate the disease.

In 2013, Forbes magazine listed him at No. 22 on its list of 50 Philanthropists Who Have Given Away the Most Money.

Huntsman Sr. left his mark on the business world with the global company Huntsman Corporation, now headed by his son Peter Huntsman.

He also served as an Area Seventy for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1996 to 2011.

Huntsman Sr. was the father of Jon Huntsman, Jr., former governor of Utah, 2012 Republican Party presidential hopeful and current U.S. Ambassador to Russia. Huntsman Sr. is survived by his wife, Karen, and their nine children.

Local and national politicians, religious leaders and organizations have issued statements of gratitude for Huntsman Sr. and his philanthropic efforts in the community.

Local state leaders and politicians

"Jon was not only a champion of business and philanthropy, but also a tremendous champion of our state," Gov. Gary Herbert said. "His loyalty to Utah was remarkable."

Herbert continued: "A visionary man with a strong personality, Jon was not afraid to wade into the issues of the day. That drive was personified in his battle against cancer. Not only did he fight his own personal battle, but through the establishment of the Huntsman Cancer Institute, he gave his vast resources to help others wage a battle against cancer as well.

“Jon Huntsman Sr. was a committed public servant, a visionary businessman and perhaps the greatest philanthropist our state has ever known," Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch said. "He was also a trusted confidante and a dear friend. Utah has lost a lion today. Elaine and I send all our love to the Huntsman family at this difficult time.”

"I am devastated by the news of the passing of Jon Huntsman Sr.," speaker of the Utah House of Representatives, Greg Hughes, said.

"Mr. Huntsman has been a dear friend and an incredible mentor. He counseled me often and taught me the true meaning of service. To say I will miss him, his grit and his incredible compassion would be a gross understatement. My thoughts and prayers are with his great family at this time."

"Jon Huntsman Sr. was a visionary who shaped the landscape of the world around him and touched millions of lives. His impact was immeasurable and our hearts go out the Huntsman family at this time," the Utah Democrats said.

"Jon Huntsman Sr. was a devoted family man and dedicated husband and father. His legacy of faith, philanthropy, public service and business leadership will be long remembered across the globe," president of the Utah Senate, Wayne Niederhauser, said.

"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 heartbreaking," Utah Sen. John Curtis said. "Something I love about him the most is how generous he's been and how philanthropic even before he came into his wealth."

“Jon Huntsman Sr. was not just an inventive businessman and entrepreneur. He was a compassionate philanthropist who improved the quality of huge numbers of Utahns, Americans, and citizens of the world," House Democratic minority leader Rep. Brian King said. "He was wise, passionate, and committed to the commonwealth. We are grateful for his life. We will miss his influence very much. He leaves a remarkable legacy.”

"Jon Huntsman Sr. had an immeasurable impact on Salt Lake City, Utah, and the world as a whole. His personal commitment to philanthropy saved lives and inspired others to do the same," Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski said.

"I’m saddened to hear that Jon Huntsman, Sr. has passed away. I knew him as someone who was very engaged in what happened in our community, our state and our country," Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams said.

"I appreciated that he would pick up the phone occasionally and share his thoughts with me on topics of the day. Jon, Sr. was a man who loved his family, his church and his country and gave generously of his time and talent. Julie and I offer our deepest sympathies to Karen Huntsman and to the entire Huntsman family."

Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera said, "Jon M. Huntsman Sr. was very dear to my heart as he was my biggest supporter and mentor. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. He was kind and devoted to helping others. He was a true example of integrity, honor and faith. I have cherished his advice and wisdom throughout the years."

Chairman of the Utah Republican Party, Rob Anderson, also expressed his condolences and honored Huntsman "for his tremendous achievements and for his extraordinary generosity to our state and all those who have benefited from cancer research and treatment because of him."

Lane Beattie, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber, said, "Utah, and in fact the world, has lost an icon, a generous champion and example to all businesses, communities and individuals. ... (His) generosity has lifted the needy, blessed the sick and inspired us all. Jon was a true beacon on the hill, and his passing is a loss to so many of us that called him a friend. Jon wasn’t only a Giant in our City, he was a Giant to all mankind.”

Former Nevada Senator Harry Reid said, "I’ve never known anyone more generous with his time and resources than Jon Huntsman, Sr. Jon was the epitome of the American Dream — a self-made man and selfless philanthropist who made the world a better place with his unparalleled generosity and commitment to helping those in need. The cancer institute that bears his name has saved lives helped bring us closer than ever to cures. The Huntsman Cancer Center endures as an enormous part of Jon’s legacy of compassion and goodness, and it will continue to save lives for many years to come."

Religious leaders

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement Friday expressing gratitude for Huntsman Sr., a former leader in the church.

"We share today in the grief of the Huntsman family. We honor Jon as a cherished husband, father and friend, esteemed as a leader for his exceptional capacity, commitment, philanthropy and service throughout the world," the First Presidency said.

"We express our love to Karen, to their children and family. Jon's legacy of faithful leadership, generosity and goodness stands as a beacon for the entire Huntsman family and many others throughout the world.”

Universities

The University of Utah, where the Huntsman Cancer Institute is located, issued several statements upon the philanthropist's passing.

“Jon was a passionate supporter of the University of Utah, and his vision and generosity will benefit cancer patients, students, faculty, researchers and people throughout Utah and the nation for generations to come," said former University of Utah president, David W. Pershing.

"I am grateful for my friendship with Jon, which spanned more than two decades. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather; a faithful member of his church; and a compassionate member of our community."

Former U. basketball standout and current Los Angeles Lakers rookie Kyle Kuzma offered his thoughts on Twitter:

Foundations and organizations

The Huntsman Cancer Foundation said of its founder, "Jon Huntsman established the (Foundation) to bring to reality a vision to ease the suffering of those carrying the heavy burden of cancer. He guided the creation of a world-class and world-renowned cancer institute."

"In his heart, Mr. Huntsman was first a philanthropist, and his life’s ambition much greater than business," the Huntsman Corporation said of its founder and chairman emeritus.

"His mission was to find a cure for cancer and alleviate its ravaging effects on mankind. In 1995, he contributed $100 million to establish the Huntsman Cancer Institute, a pioneer in genetic research and treatment and today one of the world’s most renowned cancer institutes and hospitals, located in Salt Lake City."

Huntsman Cancer Institute CEO and Director Mary Beckerle said, "Jon M. Huntsman was a great man who led a profoundly inspiring life. Other than his family, his goal to eradicate cancer from the face of the earth was the greatest passion of his life."

Beckerle continued, "Together, we can best honor Mr. Huntsman and contribute to his legacy by committing to work ever faster to advance the mission of the great Institute that bears his name, to provide hope and healing to all who are impacted by this disease.”

Utah Jazz owner Gail Miller said, "Jon was a close friend, advisor and confidant to Larry and me as well as our family. He and Larry spent countless hours discussing items both business and personal. After Larry passed away, Jon continued this support and met with my family and me many times. He was also a faithful supporter of the Jazz and his presence in our lives and at the arena will be greatly missed. Jon added so much to our family and faith. Jon was thoughtful, kind and generous with his time and resources and has had an immeasurable impact on our family as well as countless people around the world."

Other reactions

"So very sad to see this news. I am deeply inspired by his philanthropy and commitment to improving our world in many ways, in particular, his commitment to support cancer research," said Shireen Ghorbani, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress.

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