Legendary Australian race promoter Ron Walker has passed away at the age of 78.
Walker was responsible for bringing the Australian Grand Prix to Melbourne in 1996, and he was the head of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation until he retired in 2015.
He was also the chairman of the Formula 1 Promoters' Association until he retired.
Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull tweeted his condolences to Walker and his family.
Vale Ron Walker - a great Australian, magnificent Melburnian & ferociously committed Liberal. Ron was a wise and true friend to me as he was to so many Liberal leaders. We will not see his like again. Our hearts go out to Barbara and their family at this sad time.
— Malcolm Turnbull (@TurnbullMalcolm) January 30, 2018
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Others on social media also offered their condolences following Walker's passing.
Sad news tonight that former Melbourne Grand Prix boss, Ron Walker has passed away. Jeff Kennett is among those paying tribute, saying that without Ron Walker, Melbourne, Victoria would not be what it is today... Mr Walker had been battling cancer for several years.
— Peter Hitchener (@phitchener9) January 30, 2018
Australia, Victoria and Melbourne have lost a great son with Ron Walker’s passing. For decades, not much happened in Melbourne without Ron being at the centre of things. 1/2
— Tony Abbott (@HonTonyAbbott) January 30, 2018
Vale Ron Walker, a man of big ideas and great generosity. Modern Melbourne owes much to his vision and drive.
— Bill Shorten (@billshortenmp) January 30, 2018
Ron Walker loved Melbourne and Victoria. His generosity touched many. His achievements helped put Victoria on the map. Australia is poorer for Ron's passing. My condolences to Barbara and all of his family.
— Matthew Guy MP (@MatthewGuyMP) January 30, 2018
Our thoughts go out to his family.
(h/t ESPN)