Eli Broad, simply put, was L.A.'s most influential private citizen of his generation.

He loved this city as deeply as anyone I have ever known.

He was a dreamer, often seeing things that others didn't or couldn't. He was a builder –– of homes, the arts, educational opportunity, health breakthroughs that transformed dreams into reality.

I feel his loss and our city feels his loss deeply.

Thank you, Eli, for driving hard to build a world-class city.

Thank you for the grace, determination, and selflessness you always showed your beloved Los Angeles.

Amy and I send our love to Edye, Jeffrey, and Gary.

We have lost a giant –– and L.A.'s most loyal friend.