Queensland Developer, entrepreneur and family man Keith Williams died in a Gold Coast hospital yesterday, aged 82.

Mr. Williams developed Sea World and Hamilton Island, amongst numerous other significant contributions to Queensland’s tourism industry. He had been in declining health for several years and passed away after suffering from a series of strokes.

In his remarkable career spanning decades, Mr. Williams often found himself battling conservationalists and politicians who opposed to his tourism projects.

Although he lived a life of controversy, Mr. William’s impact on the state entertainment industry and Australian tourism industry has been unmeasurable. He was once estimated to be worth $150 million dollars and is said to have created thousands of jobs and entertained millions.

Mr. William’s wife, Thea and his two children, Ben and Rebecca had maintained a bedside vigil in recent days. He’s now survived by their existence.