Mike Thaw, the co-founder and president of Radiant Communications, died suddenly of a heart attack on Christmas Eve. He was 61.

“Through Mike Thaw’s vision and determination, Radiant grew to become a premier manufacturer producing the industry’s largest selection of fiber optic products. The Radiant Communications team is dedicated to continuing the success of the company in his honor,” said Lou Nagorsky, Radiant’s national sales manager, in a statement.

Mike Thaw, a long-time member of the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers, launched Radiant with his brother, Gene, in January 1985. Gene Thaw, Radiant’s chairman, has assumed Mike’s role at Radiant, the company said.

Donations in his memory can be made to the American Heart Association, the company noted.