Theme park and attractions ride entrepreneur Franz Mack has died at the age of 89 years.

Together with his sons Roland and Jürgen, Franz was the driving force behind the opening and success of Europa Park, which is now Germany's biggest theme park.

He was inducted into the IAAPA Hall of Fame at a ceremony held in Atlanta in 2006, and was described as one of the "true pioneers of the international attractions industry".

Franz Mack was born on 7 March 1921 as the fourth son of Heinrich and Theresia Mack. His career path started as a cartwright and coachbuilder.

In 1948 he took over the responsibility of his father's company together with his brothers Hermann and Willi. The Mack company, which was founded back in 1780 and produced stagecoaches and carousels, was then relocated to a new and more spacious area in the Black Forest town of Waldkirch in Germany.

During his tenure as head of Mack Rides, Franz oversaw numerous innovations among the fairground rides, such as the "Wild Mouse" and the "Swiss Bob Run".

It was during his frequent business trips abroad, representing Mack Rides with his son Roland Mack, that he had the idea of building a theme park close to the ride factory which would act as a showcase for the company's products.

Europa-Park opened its doors in 1975 in the village of Rust and today the park is one of the leading theme parks in the world and the market leader in Germany.

The Mack companies currently employ more than 3,100 people.

Franz is survived by his two sons Roland and Jürgen together with his grandsons Michael and Thomas - who currently manage the Mack companies.

Roland Mack said: "Our father was a great role model for all of us until the last days of his life. He has lived character attributes such as humbleness, diligence, endurance, sincerity, emotionality and frankness and thus deeply influenced our family and our company."