SEATTLE — David Bonderman, who helped found the Seattle Kraken and played a key role in the effort to construct Climate Pledge Arena, has died at the age of 82.
The Kraken announced Bonderman's passing on Wednesday morning, which included a heartfelt statement from the organization's CEO, Tod Leiweke.
"We are honored to have had the opportunity to live and learn alongside him. With his daughter, Samantha as our owner, we will proudly continue his legacy. Our thoughts are with David’s children and grandchildren,” reads part of Leiweke's statement.
Bonderman attended the University of Washington, graduating in 1963 with a major in Russian studies. He served as a security guard at the Space Needle during his college years, and returned to the city in 2018 to be a founding owner of the Kraken and co-lead the construction of the team's home, Climate Pledge Arena.
He also created the Bonderman Fellowships at UW, which have sponsored travel around the world for over 300 students to further their education.
Bonderman founded Texas Pacific Group, now known as TPG, a private equity firm now worth over $3 billion.
He is credited for standing up during a meeting of Kraken executives and pointing to the location where the red 'eye' should be inserted in the Kraken 'S' logo, which has become a signature feature.
Bonderman was a member of boards of The Wilderness Society, World Wildlife Fund, American Himalayan Foundation and the Grand Canyon Trust. He also was a strong financial supporter and board member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
