Billionaire Ken Thomson, whose worldwide business empire once included the Canadian newspaper chain founded by his father, has died at age 82.

The former chairman of Thomson Corp. died Monday morning.

Earlier this year, Forbes magazine estimated the Thomson family’s worth at US$19.6 billion, making Ken Thomson the ninth richest person in the world and the richest man in Canada.

Thomson became chairman of the family’s business interests after the death of his father, Roy Thomson, in 1976. He became chairman of Thomson Corp. upon its formation in 1978. He retired as chairman in 2002 and was succeeded by his eldest son, David. He remained on the board of Thomson and chairman of The Woodbridge Co. Ltd., the Thomson family private investment company.

“This is a very sad day for all of us at The Thomson Corp.,” said President and CEO Dick Harrington. “I had the special privilege of knowing Ken Thomson for 20 years. He was a remarkable man who did so much to build this business by constantly investing in the future. He was a strong leader whose energy and enthusiasm for Thomson was contagious. Anyone who met Ken was touched by his grace, charm and humility. He will be missed.”

“He was a tremendous source of support for our management team,” Harrington said. “We all want to express our sympathy to his wife, Marilyn, their children David, Taylor and Peter, and their grandchildren.”

At the time of his death, Ken Thomson controlled approximately 70% of Thomson’s outstanding common shares. That control remains with the Thomson family.

“We will miss his support and companionship terribly,” said David Thomson, Ken Thomson’s eldest son and chairman of Thomson Corp. “All of my grandfather’s family are deeply grateful to my father for his wise stewardship of our family interests for more than 30 years. More importantly, he was a gentle and kind man who impressed everyone with whom he came in contact. He was much loved.”

A memorial service will be held on a date to be announced.

Thomson Corp., with 2005 revenues of approximately $8.5 billion, is a global leader in providing integrated information solutions to business and professional customers.