A man who made his mark on the auto sector in Newfoundland and Labrador has passed away.

Frank Howard, the President and Founder of the Capital Auto Group, lost his battle with cancer yesterday.

From humble beginnings and a single dealership, Howard built what became Capital Auto Group, a team of more than 500 employees across 10 automotive brands, and The Howard Group, which oversees the Howard Properties real estate portfolio.

He received countless honours over the years, including the CADA Laureate Award for Ambassadorship and, most recently, induction into the JANL Business Hall of Fame.

His family says Frank believed that the greatest success in business was the ability to give back to the community that supported him.

In lieu of a wake and funeral, a celebration of life to honour Howards memory will be held in the near future.

Howard was 68.