Terry Snow AM, Canberra businessman, philanthropist and one of Australia’s richest people, has died. He was 80.

He died of natural causes, according to a family statement issued on Sunday night.

“His legacy is the bold projects he undertook, including the developments at Canberra Airport and Airport Business Parks, Constitution Place, Denman Prospect and Willinga Park, on the south coast,” the statement says.

“His unwavering dedication to building outstanding developments reflects a commitment to excellence and quality that will resonate for generations to come. 

“The grandson of Civic’s first general store owner, Terry was a business leader with his innovative spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence. 

“He transformed the Canberra Airport precinct into a world-class aviation hub after it was purchased from the Federal Government in 1998.” 

Last year he was ranked Australia’s 28th richest person by the Australian Financial Review with a net worth of $3.9 billion.

In 2019 Snow donated $20 million to Canberra Grammar School with the plan to rebuild the school’s breezeway and library and create a centre for music excellence. The gift was reported as the largest philanthropic gift to an Australian school and included the world-class Snow Concert Hall.

His dedication to philanthropy began initially in the Canberra region when, in his mid-40s with his brother George, he created The Snow Foundation in 1991. 

“Over the past 15 years, his generosity extended across Australia as he grew The Snow Foundation and, more recently, established Snow Medical, driven by a deep sense of social responsibility,” the family says.

In his 60s, he bought land at Bawley Point on the south coast and built a world-renowned equestrian centre. And took up horse riding himself at 65.

He was an avid fisherman and bushwalker. He was a plane and helicopter pilot, and took up cycling in his 40s and rode across Australia. He also sailed around Australia. 

He is survived by his wife Ginette, children Scarlett Gaffey, Tom Snow, Georgina Byron and Stephen Byron. He was grandfather to 14 grandchildren and brother to Michael and George.