Mike Portnoy’s father, Howard, passed away on Sunday, January 4. He was 68. Mike released the following statement:

“It’s with the heaviest heart and deepest sorrow that I share the news of the passing of my best friend, my idol and my father, Howard Portnoy.

“He passed away this morning [Sunday, January 4] at 3:38 am with his loving wife Trish and myself by his side after a six-month battle with cancer.

“He was an amazing person whose lively spirit was a tremendous inspiration to me and to most people that had the pleasure to know him.

“He will be sorely missed by so many friends and family—but none more so than his wife Trish, his daughter-in-law Marlene, his grandchildren Melody and Max and yours truly.

“The spirit carries on, ‘ol popz….”