by Lianhe Zaobao, published on 2005-05-03

Bob Hunter, the Canadian co-founder of the environmental organization Greenpeace, has died of prostate cancer, according to the BBC.

He helped found Greenpeace in 1971 and went on to draw global attention with campaigns against nuclear testing and pollution of the world's oceans.

Mr Hunter, who died at the age of 63, was also well known for his work as a journalist and author.

"Bob was an inspirational storyteller, an audacious fighter and an unpretentious mystic," Greenpeace Canada chairman, John Doherty, said.

"He was serious about saving the world while always maintaining a sense of humour."

Mr Hunter's passion for ecology and approach to communications helped define Greenpeace, the group said.

He was responsible for adopting the term "Rainbow Warriors" to describe Greenpeace activists.

Greenpeace now has 2.5 million members in 40 countries. Time magazine named Bob Hunter one of the 20th Century's top eco-heroes.

Furthermore, Mr. Hunter was also the host of a well-known TV programme.

His colleagues said that Mr Hunter was a man with a big loving heart, a brilliant mind and a great spirit. He changed our world into a better one.

Translated by Yu Jinshuan