David Bonderman, a founding co-owner of the Seattle Kraken, passed away at the age of 82 on Wednesday, the team announced. He was surrounded by family at the time of his death.
A University of Washington alumnus as well as the co-founder of asset management firm TPG, Bonderman was a businessman with a passion for sports and music.
He played a crucial role in bringing the NHL’s 32nd franchise to the Emerald city when he applied for an expansion team in 2018. Bonderman’s work to renovate then-abandoned Key Arena into a viable home arena for the Kraken was crucial in the league’s Board of Governors’ unanimous approval of expansion to Seattle.
During meetings discussing the team’s name and logo, it was Bonderman who suggested a glowing red eye should be added to the Kraken ‘S.’ The red eye has since become a trademark of the franchise’s branding.
“David was a visionary; unafraid to take on challenges and make bold decisions. He was smart, witty, curious, and humble,” read Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke’s statement. “He empowered us to be a first-class enterprise with the best facilities, people, and values, and he was unwavering in his commitment to our community.”
Dan Bylsma met Bonderman on several occasions, but remembers him best sharing a plane ride on the way to the head coach’s debut this season.
“He couldn’t stop talking about the Seattle Kraken, and he couldn’t stop talking about the organization. That carried over into dinner as well. It was clear and evident his passion for this organization and starting the Seattle Kraken here in Seattle. That’s been the driving force of our organization.”
“David Bonderman lived a life that was astounding in its breadth of achievement, unflinching in its commitment to excellence, and relentless in its passion for improving lives– particularly in his home state of Washington,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said via press release. “The National Hockey League celebrates David Bonderman’s remarkable life and mourns his passing. We send our deepest condolences to his five children, three grandchildren, and the entire Seattle Kraken organization.”
According to a team press release, Bonderman’s daughter and current Kraken co-owner Samantha Holloway “will proudly continue his legacy.”