LONDON, April 19 (UPI) -- Lord Edward "Eddie" George, a former Bank of England governor who oversaw the institution's move to independence, has died of cancer at 70, officials said.
George, who was beloved by politicians and financiers who called him "Steady Eddie," died Saturday, the Bank of England said in statement.
"I am deeply saddened to learn of Eddie's death," said the bank's current governor, Mervyn King. "He served the bank for more than 40 years and was an outstanding governor, colleague and friend. Eddie will be remembered as the governor who led the bank to independence." George is survived by his wife Vanessa and their three children, the bank said.
"Eddie George was universally admired for his expertise, judgment and wisdom, and it was my privilege to have worked with one of the world's greatest and most respected central bankers," British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said in a statement.
The Sunday Times of London said George's unflappable style was prized by politicians and financiers, often helping to calm markets and making him a widely popular figure.
