A number of people in Winnipeg and Canada’s sports community are in mourning after the passing of Robert Chipman, a man who played a big role in bringing back the Jets NHL franchise to the city.

"There is a sadness in Winnipeg's business community today," said Dave Angus, president of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce.

"He was a great mentor throughout the entire business community. He was very free with his time, very giving of his time for others, and really had a genuine want and need to see people succeed."

Chipman, who was 87, died after a lengthy battle with cancer.

He founded the Megill-Stephenson Company in Winnipeg, which owns a number of car dealerships in the city and has involvement in the real estate, construction, sports and entertainment and financial industries.

He played a major role in the development of the MTS Centre in the city, as well as the return of the NHL.

His son, Mark Chipman, is the president and CEO of True North Sports and Entertainment, which owns the Winnipeg Jets.

True North issued a statement Monday evening, passing on its condolences to the Chipman family.

The company said he "will be remembered as a pillar upon which many of the principles of our organization are founded, including family, honesty, integrity and hard work."

It continued, "he will be greatly missed but always remembered."