LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- The Bears announced Tuesday that vice president Tim McCaskey, after a 17-month battle with cancer, has died at age 65.

"Tim, first and foremost was a fan; as passionate, loyal, critical, analytical, committed and devoted a Bears fan as there ever was," the McCaskey family said in statement. "The tenacity and dignity with which he fought this dreaded disease is an inspiration to all of us."

The second oldest of 11 children of Ed and Virginia McCaskey, Tim McCaskey became the team's vice president in 1993 after spending four years with the team on a part-time basis. Prior to joining the Bears, McCaskey worked 18 years for IMC Fertilizer Inc., and seven years with Ernst & Young.

Tim McCaskey is survived by four children, eight grandchildren, and 10 siblings, in addition to his mother.