ST JAMES, Jamaica — Renown Montego Bay businessman Robert “Ducksie” Russell is dead.

A close family member confirmed that Russell died at the Hospiten Hospital about 5:45 pm on Wednesday.

He was 76.

He was the patriarch of the popular family owned Pier One open-air restaurant, bar and entertainment centre in Montego Bay, which has been in operation since 1986.

Russell and a group of Montego Bay businessmen founded Reggae Sumfest in 1993.

President of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI), Oral Heaven, who extended condolences to Russell’s family, expressed sadness at his passing.

“Very sad news. This man is a foundation in Montego Bay and has contributed so much to the growth and development of the city. We know the role Pier One plays in the whole business landscape and tourism in Montego Bay so it’s sad. I know the whole family is in mourning now we just have to give them our support.  We need to celebrate his life. It’s a life that’s worth celebrating.  He has done so much,” Heaven expressed.

Chairman of the Tourism Enhancement Fund Godfrey Dyer, who also offered his condolences, described the passing of his friend as a huge loss.

“It’s a very sad feeling, I just heard about it less than two hours ago.  Shocking! I knew he was sick he had gone into the hospital but he came out back and I saw him and he looked very well but sadly he passed,” Dyer told Observer Online.

— Horace Hines