Noted Canadian sportsman Frank Selke Jr. has died at the age of 83.

The son of former Montreal Canadiens general manager Frank Selke, Frank Selke Jr. followed in his father's footsteps as an executive and publicity director of the hockey club from 1951 to 1965.

He appeared in the team photos of six Stanley Cup-winning Canadiens rosters, but never had his name engraved on the trophy.

Selke Jr. then served as the team president of the expansion Oakland Golden Seals, later called the California Golden Seals.

After he left the Golden Seals, Selke took the position of vice president for the Canadian Sports Network, the company that produced of Hockey Night in Canada.

He became involved in the Special Olympics in 1969, serving as an ambassador and fundraiser with the organization for the rest of his life.

Lindsay Glassco, the president and chief executive officer of Special Olympics Canada, confirmed Selke's passing in a statement Monday.

“Frank Selke was Special Olympics Canada’s greatest ambassador for 44 years,” said Glassco. “He was the heart and soul of our movement, and the face of Special Olympics in our country’s boardrooms and locker-rooms alike.

“We are grateful for all that he gave our movement and our athletes, and we know his gifts will continue to strengthen Special Olympics Canada for many years to come.”