The Ontario International Airport Authority last week released a statement marking the passing of Southwest Airlines co-founder Herb Kelleher, who died Jan. 3 at age 87.

“We mourn the death of Herb Kelleher, a loyal friend and early supporter of Ontario International Airport,” said Mark A. Thorpe, airport chief executive officer.

“A visionary who recognized the importance of the Inland Empire in Southern California aviation, Herb made the decision himself to bring Southwest to Ontario in 1985, establishing our airport as a viable enterprise in what was then a new frontier in our industry.

Kelleher led Southwest Airlines, first as the company’s cofounder and legal counsel from 1966 to 1982, then as President, CEO, and Chairman from 1982 to 2001, according to Southwest Airlines. He was well known for humor, an engaging way with people from all walks, and creative innovations that expanded low-cost travel for millions of travelers.

“Southwest has been our most significant airline partner since Herb made that fateful decision, and we will always remember with profound gratitude his ability to see clearly opportunities that others could not.

“Herb Kelleher was a trusted friend of Ontario for more than three decades and we will forever hold his memory dear. We share the grief of the many employees of Southwest Airlines, present and past, and mourn the passing of ‘The Love Field Legend.’ ”