Dane Miller, who helped found the Warsaw-based company Biomet, died today at the age of 69.

Miller was one of the four original founders of the company and served as its Chief Executive Officer between the years of 1977 and 2006.

Current Biomet CEO Jeff Binder issued the following statement following Miller’s passing: “It is impossible in one short statement to give justice to his impact on our company, on our industry, and on the communities where we operate – especially Warsaw and Winona Lake, Indiana. It is also impossible to describe adequately Dane’s impact on the lives of our team members and on the members of the orthopedic community with whom he worked and developed friendships over many years.”

Indiana Governor Mike Pence also made the following statement: “Today Indiana lost a giant in the passing of Dane Miller. Dane Miller, Co-Founder of Biomet in Warsaw, was one of our state’s most successful entrepreneurs, a pioneer in the orthopedic industry, and he will be deeply missed.”

“Dane Miller was also a modest man who loved his family and never lost the common touch. Karen and I send our deepest sympathies to his beloved wife Mary Louise, his family, friends and all who admired this remarkable Hoosier.”