Warren Buffett, Carl Icahn and George W. Bush on T. Boone Pickens

The tycoons and friends of the eminent wild cat, T. Boone Pickens, fondly remembered him in his comments to CNBC after his passing.

Pickens died Wednesday of natural causes at 91 years.

Billionaire investor Warren Buffett told CNBC's Becky Quick on Thursday: "They have great personalities in Texas, but none have been able to beat Boone."

"I've never been with him because it was not fun," added Buffett.

Carl Icahn, another hedge fund founder, also remembered Pickens' spirit and his Texas charm, describing his similar approaches on how, in their view, companies should be managed. . Pickens, like Icahn, has forged a reputation for "raiding a company" in the 1980s, buying shares of troubled companies and attempting to sell them. straighten.

"We shared the same values ​​about shareholder rights," Icahn told Patti Domm of CNBC.

"I will miss his friendship and his great spirit, he was an old school guy, and I wish there were more like him today," said Icahn.

Born in Oklahoma, Pickens attended Oklahoma State University and worked as a makeshift hunter in states where the oil and gas industry was booming. Pickens donated more than $ 1 billion during his lifetime, a fact pointed out by former President George W. Bush.

T. Boone Pickens has become a household name throughout the country because he was bold, imaginative and daring He has succeeded – and most importantly, he has generously shared his success with institutions and communities throughout Texas and Oklahoma, "Bush said in a statement. .

"He loved the outdoors, his country, his friends and his family, and Laura and I send our condolences," said Bush.