An Alberta politician, lawyer, philanthropist and legend has passed away.

Peter Lougheed has died at the age of 84 and according to a statement released by his family Thursday, it was because of natural causes.

He leaves behind his wife Jeanne, children Stephen, Andrea, Pam, Joe, and seven grandchildren.

Plans for a public memorial will be announced in coming days.

Lougheed was named the Best Canadian Premier of the last 40 years by the Institute for Research on Public Policy last June and in his last public speech, he said of all his accomplishments, one stood out.

“Clearly the constitution, nothing really is as important than that for a country like ours in Canada and to put together a constitution, to have an agreement which we brought forth, with regard to the whole issue of the constitution, the not withstanding clause and there was other elements that were involved in it as well,” he said. “It’s really important that in my scheme of things, that we have a constitution that protects the rights of the provinces.”

Condolences have poured in following the news:

Prime Minister Stephen Harper: “Today Canada lost a truly great man. Peter Lougheed was quite simply one of the most remarkable Canadians of his generation.”

Alberta Premier Alison Redford: “Premier Lougheed was unquestionably devoted to Alberta and Alberta’s interests. He not only believed in a strong and united Canada, he believed that Alberta did not have to succeed at the expense of Canada, but as a proud member of a country working together – a country where all succeeded.”

Alberta Opposition Leader Danielle Smith: “Mr. Lougheed will be fondly remembered as a man who fought on behalf of all Albertans with tremendous dignity and effectiveness during the days of the National Energy Program and who developed the Heritage Savings Trust Fund for future generations to enjoy the wealth of our abundant non-renewable resources.”

Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi: “I, like every Albertan of my generation, am a Lougheed baby. I was born the year after he was first elected, and I have never known an Alberta or a Canada that did not benefit from his legacy. We owe him so much: our strong industries; our magnetic cities; our sense of identity within Canada.”