Tom Hicks Dies at 79, Former Stars, Rangers and Liverpool Owner Won 1999 Stanley Cup

Tom Hicks, who owned the Dallas Stars when they lifted the Stanley Cup in 1999, died Saturday at the age of 79.

A spokesperson for the businessman said he "died peacefully in Dallas surrounded by family," per ESPN.com.

His children released a statement:

"Of everything he accomplished in his remarkable life, Tom Hicks's most cherished title was, 'Dad.' No matter the trials and tribulations he faced in life, he was constant in his generosity and love for his family. He remains a guiding force for our family, and we are deeply honored to continue expanding his legacy. Although we are devastated by this loss, we are profoundly grateful to have been his children."

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones reflected on his friendship with Hicks.

"Being shoulder to shoulder with him was always about more than ballparks and stadiums, though," Jones said. "It was about personal respect, trust and friendship. We shared a lot of miles together, and I'll miss him greatly. My heart goes out to his family."

Hicks also had past ownership stakes in Premier League club Liverpool and MLB's Texas Rangers.

"LFC sends its condolences to the Hicks family and Tom's friends at this difficult time," Liverpool said Sunday in a statement.

Hicks' stewardship of the Stars was his most productive run. Dallas made the playoffs 10 times when he was the owner from 1995-2011. In addition to the championship run in 1999, the Stars returned to the Stanley Cup Final in 2000.

The Texan's periods in charge of the Rangers and Liverpool are remembered less fondly.

Hicks famously signed Álex Rodríguez to what was then the biggest contract in MLB history when the star shortstop penned a 10-year, $252 million deal in December 2000. The franchise was unable to build a contending roster, though, and Rodríguez got traded to the Yankees in February 2004.

Hicks and co-owner George Gillett brought Liverpool to the brink of administration in 2010 prior to the club's sale to New England Sports Ventures, a group helmed by Boston Red Sox owners John W. Henry and Tom Werner.