Felix Dennis, the Warwickshire-based publishing entrepreneur behind titles such as Men's Fitness, Evo and Viz, has died aged 67.
Mr Dennis had been battling cancer for a long time and died at his home in Dorsington, near Stratford-upon-Avon, on Sunday.
The businessman first found fame as one of the founders of 1960s counterculture magazine Oz which was caught up in a high-profile obscenity trial in 1971. He was famously cleared on appeal.
He went on to make a fortune through Dennis Publishing and was reportedly worth around £500 million, placing in joint ninth spot in the 2014 Birmingham Post richlist alongside property entrepreneur Kevin Cash.
Mr Dennis was diagnosed with throat cancer in January 2012 which was followed by a major operation to remove a tumour on his pharynx and months of radio therapy.
Once in remission, he embarked on a 30-day tour to present his poems called 'The Cut Throat Tour' and had also written his own epitaph called 'Felix Dennis, Poet, Publisher, Planter of Trees'.
He also undertook a project to restore lost woodland by creating the Heart of England Forest with the Tree Council in the Vale of Evesham.
A statement posted on Dennis Publishing's website said: "Felix was a publishing legend, famed for his maverick and entrepreneurial style and, more lately, a successful and much loved poet. He will be greatly missed.
"Thank you to the support and kindness of those who share our feelings for Felix and we ask that you respect our privacy during our time of grief."
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