The patriarch of a Newfoundland and Labrador business dynasty has passed away.

Roger Pike passed away on Wednesday at the age of 82.

Pike, who founded the Pike Group of Companies in 1983, also created Labrador Airways, which eventually began Air Labrador.

Pike was the pilot who flew a vintage DC-3 aircraft into his family’s ancestral home of Harbour Grace and donated the “Spirit of Harbour Grace” to the town to mark its long aviation history.

He also owned Notre Dame Seafoods which operated processing plants in Twillingate and Comfort Cove, and was the President and CEO of Harvey and Company, a business founding in 1767.

Pike was a recipient of the Order of St. George and had been named Honorary Colonel of the 103 Search and Rescue Squadron in Gander.

A public celebration of his life will be held at a later date.