Forrest E. Mars, Jr., of McLean-Based Candy Company, Dies at 84: Report

McLEAN, VA -- Forrest E. Mars, Jr., who inherited the McLean-based candy giant, Mars Company, with his siblings, died Tuesday at age 84 in Seattle, according to The New York Times.

Mars, Jr. died from complications of a heart attack while traveling in Seattle, the Wall Street Journal reported. He lived on a ranch near Sheridan, Wyo.

Mars is known for its famous confectionary sweets such as M&Ms, Milky Way, Twix, Skittles, Snickers and the Mars bar.

More than 100 years ago, a young Frank C. Mars, Mars, Jr.'s grandfather, started making candies in his Tacoma, Wash. kitchen. His son Forrest built Mars into the company it is today, first by creating the Milky Way bar with his father and later by expanding the business overseas and diversifying into new categories like pet care and food. The Mars Company employs about 80,000 in 78 countries around the world, according to its Web site. Only a few hundred work at the McLean headquarters, according to Washingtonian.

Mars, Jr. retired from active management of the company in 1999, the Times noted and remained on the board until 2006. He ran the company previously with his brother, John.

Survivors of Forrest Mars Jr. include his third wife, Jacomien, as well as his brother and sister, four children, 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, the company told the Wall Street Journal.