Air ambulance organization STARS has announced the passing of its founder and former CEO, Dr. Greg Powell.

Powell passed away on Wednesday at Foothills Hospice in Okotoks at the age of 77.

Dr. John Froh, president and CEO of STARS says “From the very beginning of his distinguished medical career, Dr. Powell was committed to saving lives. Early on, he recognized too many patients were dying because they couldn’t get the care they needed fast enough and was motivated to change that.”

He continues that “Countless people are alive today because of his ground-breaking vision and enduring tenacity and for that we are honoured to carry on his mission.”