KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Wolmer’s High School community has paid tribute to the late Lascelles Chin.

The Lasco founder, a Wolmer’s old boy, astute businessman and philanthropist, died in Florida, United States surrounded by family on Saturday night. He was 86.

READ: Businessman Lascelles Chin has died

“All Wolmerians join in celebrating the life, work, achievements and contribution of our distinguished alumnus, Lascelles Chin, a titan of Jamaica’s private sector, a business icon, a generous philanthropist and a quiet humanitarian,” a news release on Sunday read.

“From very humble beginnings in Bog Walk, Las (as he was affectionately known) achieved through visioning, dedication, belief in self and faith in God.”

Describing Chin as a ‘dreamer’, the Wolmer’s family said the businessman had a “ferocious work ethic which defied 24 hours in a day and said the latter was “why he was able to constantly evolve, rising from a small importer of black pepper, through Chairman and Managing Director of Henkel Jamaica, to become the founder of the LASCO Affiliated Companies.”

It went on to heap praises on Chin for creating a brand that not only catered to the poor but one which became synonymous with quality products from Jamaica.

“Under his inspirational leadership, LASCO has become a household name, a trusted brand which has delivered value to both its customers and investors…despite his out-sized success, Las never forgot his humble roots and constantly sought to deliver goods and services at prices affordable to the poor,” the release read.

“Along his entrepreneurial journey, his unselfishness and generosity of spirit allowed him to encourage and enable others to meet their success, and he took immense but quiet pride in watching them achieve,” added the statement