Chairman John Monaghan said his predecessor was a man whose dedication and commitment to the co-operative ran deep.
''We owe John and his family a debt of gratitude for all the time, energy and sheer hard graft he gave us as a farmer owner, inaugural chairman of the Fonterra Shareholder's Council on merger, as a farmer elected director from 2003, and as our chairman from 2012.
''John always brought dedication, commitment and deep dairy knowledge to each of the representation and governance roles in which he served.
''On behalf of his fellow farmers, he was the ultimate advocate for what we stand for. We have lost a friend a friend, colleague, leader and champion for our industry much too soon,'' Mr Monaghan said.
Mr Wilson, who lived on a dairy farm near Te Awamutu and jointly owned a dairy farming business near Geraldine, took over from inaugural chairman Sir Henry van der Heyden.
In July last year, he announced his intention to step down as chairman to focus on his health as he recovered from a serious health scare.
A statement from Fonterra at the time said he had undergone significant surgery and would require ongoing treatment.
In a message to farmers, Mr Wilson said he had made a very good recovery but would need ongoing treatment.
Governance roles were incredibly rewarding but equally demanding on the individual and their families.
Continuing as chairman when he could not put his full energy and attention into the role was not appropriate, he said.
Industry leaders were quick to add their condolences on Twitter, summed up by Fonterra Shareholders Council chairman Duncan Coull, who said it was a sad day for the dairy industry.
Mr Wilson was a selfless leader with huge capacity, fiercely determined and strongly committed to making dairy farmers' lives and livelihoods better, he said.
Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor said Mr Wilson worked ''non-stop'' for dairy farmers. The pair talked often over the years and he had great respect for his farming knowledge and views.
Special agricultural trade envoy Mike Petersen said Mr Wilson was one of his old university mates and a passionate advocate for farmers, co-operatives, business and trade.
''John had time for everyone. Most of all, a great guy and family man who was so proud of Belinda and their girls.''
Mr Wilson is survived by his wife Belinda and daughters Sophie, Victoria and twins Tess and Libby.
