“Billionaire industrialist David H. Koch, who with his older brother Charles poured a fortune into right-wing causes, transforming the American political landscape and shaping U.S. policies on such issues as climate change and government regulation, died Friday at 79." (AP News)

The left is critical of Koch’s legacy, in particular his resistance to action on climate change.

The late David Koch put his name on a few things and his money behind a great many, prominent among them the theater in which the New York City Ballet performs. The facility had become run down, and Koch put up $100 million for renovations and ongoing maintenance. That is one of the neat things you can do when you are a billionaire.

Conservative billionaire David Koch has died at the age of 79.

“Sources close to the family say David Koch has died,” New Yorker staff writer Jane Mayer tweeted Friday.

A family spokesman confirmed the death to a CBS affiliate in Wichita, Kansas, where Koch was born.

Billionaire conservative icon David Koch has died at age 79, CBS News has confirmed, according to a source close to the Koch family. The New York resident was suffering from deteriorating health as of late, according to a letter Koch's older brother Charles Koch sent to company officials last summer.

He wrote at the time: "We are deeply saddened by this, as we miss David's insightful questions and his many contributions to Koch Industries."

David Koch was a billionaire, industrialist, philanthropist, political activist and onetime vice presidential candidate for the Libertarian Party.

Koch and his 83-year-old brother, Charles, ran Koch Industries, one of the nation’s largest privately held conglomerates. Its investments include subsidiaries involved with manufacturing, refining and distribution of chemicals, fibers and minerals.

Their father, Fred Koch, founded the company in 1940, the year David was born.

Billionaire David Koch is stepping down from the family’s business and conservative political empire because of health issues, according to a letter his older brother sent to company employees Tuesday.