BUSINESSMAN Lawrence ‘Laurie’ Hussey, who made a name for himself in horse racing and the hospitality industry, died peacefully at his home early Monday morning, his family said in a news release.

He was 76 years old.

Hussey, who put up a brave battle against cancer, is survived by his wife Ruth, children Michelle, Charles, Percy, Angeline and Andrew, and 13 grandchildren.

Hussey’s lifelong journey in entrepreneurship started when he became a cane farmer at the age of 15. He soon became a race-horse trainer, following in his father’s footsteps, a legacy that has continued on through his sons Charles and Percy, both known for their contributions as jockey and trainer respectively to Jamaica’s horse racing industry.

Throughout the years, Hussey diversified his business interests, including Super Cleaners dry cleaners, Discount Centre and Liguanea Lane pharmacies, Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel, and Monte Carlo and Vegas gaming.

In 2008, the Hussey family purchased Trelawny Estates, that includes the Long Pond sugar factory and the Hampden distillery, through the Government’s divestment programme.

Hussey is well known in the business community as a humanitarian, consummate listener and advocate of the working class.

Reacting to his passing, Agriculture Minister Dr Christopher Tufton said, “It is with deep regret that I learnt of the passing of Mr Laurie Hussey, who has been ailing for some time. Mr Hussey has been a stalwart in the business community and most recently he and his family invested in the sugar cane industry in Trelawny by acquiring Long Pond and Hampden estates.

“My interaction with Mr Hussey indicated that he was very enthusiastic about this investment and was committed to its completion. I would like to extend my sincere condolence to his wife and family and wish them God speed in these difficult times,” said Tufton.