REGINA - Prominent Saskatchewan lawyer Tony Merchant, well known for spearheading class-action lawsuits across the country, has died at the age of 80.

His wife, retired senator Pana Merchant, said he died Monday at their home in Regina after a battle with cancer. He would have turned 81 on Sunday, she said.

Their son Evatt Merchant said in a message the family is "tremendously proud of his work" and planning a funeral next week in Regina.

Described by some as "Canada's class-action king," Tony Merchant represented former residential school students in a $1.9-billion settlement, the largest in Canadian history.

His firm also launched class-action suits against companies over everything from cellphone fees and lead paint in toys to hip implants.

In January, the firm reached a $6-million

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