According to the Arizona Republic, Richard Heckmann died Saturday in California at the age of 76.
Heckmann had been involved with the NBA since 2004, when he was part of an investment group that purchased the Suns for $401 million. He saw Steve Nash win multiple MVP awards and witnessed a very fun period of Phoenix basketball.
The cause of his death, per the Palm Springs Desert Sun, was from complications related to multiple system atrophy, a degenerative neurological disorder similar to Parkinson’s disease.
He was a successful businessman and philanthropist. Not only was he the co-owner of the two basketball teams but he was also the founder, director and part-owner of multiple businesses including Callaway Golf, K2, Nuverra Environmental Solutions and US Filter.