Former Nordstrom chairman Bruce Nordstrom dies at 90

Bruce Nordstrom, a retail executive instrumental in transforming his family's Pacific Northwest department store chain into a prominent national brand, has passed away.

Seattle-based Nordstrom Inc. announced that its former chairman died at his home on Saturday at the age of 90.

"Our dad leaves a powerful legacy as a legendary business leader, a generous community citizen and a loyal friend," said a statement from his sons, Nordstrom CEO Erik Nordstrom and Pete Nordstrom, the company's president.

Bruce Nordstrom, along with other third-generation family members, assumed leadership in 1968. They took the company public in 1971 and expanded it nationwide, also establishing the more affordable Nordstrom Rack stores.

Bruce Nordstrom stepped down from his executive role in 1995, as the third generation transitioned leadership to the fourth. He retired as chairman of Nordstrom's board of directors in 2006.

He is survived by his wife, Jeannie, his sister and fellow philanthropist Anne Gittinger, two sons, and seven grandchildren.