Gassan Azan Sr was on Friday euologised as a true entrepreneur with an infectious sense of humour, a man who enjoyed life and one who, in his twilight years, met his health challenges with dignity.

The attributes of the 86-year-old businessman, who passed on November 14, were shared by his brother, Milade — whose son Kamal delivered the remembrance on his behalf — and longtime friend Afeef Lazarus, who paid tribute, during a thanksgiving service at The Church of St Margaret in Liguanea, St Andrew.

Describing his brother as “a man of gentleness, humour, and a spirit that brought warmth wherever he went,” Milade said of Azan Sr, “lived each day with intention, purpose, and the belief that one should ‘Believe to become’.”

“Long before the word entrepreneur became trendy, Gassan lived it. He built three successful businesses through patience, discipline, and vision. He believed in doing things properly — no shortcuts, no fuss, just steady, focused work,” Milade said.

He recalled when their father decided to retire, he entrusted the business to him and his two brothers.

“Together, we continued the legacy under the name Elias Azan & Sons. Through hard work we grew it into one of the leading importers of haberdashery at the time,” he said, adding that one of his brother’s characters that he will remember most was his quiet strength.

“He didn’t need attention, applause, or recognition. He lived with kindness, contributed without fanfare, and lifted others with a simple smile or a well-timed joke,” Milade shared.

“He could lift your mood with a look, a story, or one of his favourite jokes that never grew old. Gassan could repeat the same joke and somehow you still laughed, not because you hadn’t heard it, but because he was telling it.

“He made life lighter; he made moments easier; he made people feel comfortable just by being there,” Milade said.

Lazarus, in his tribute, said that the passing of a sincere, close and long-standing friend is always a difficult emotional experience and Gassan’s Sr’s passing was no exception.

However, Lazarus said that in this case, he knew that Azan Sr “must feel relieved” to be free from the illness that limited “the many activities that he enjoyed so much”.

“He…was always so full of energy, always on the move, and not capable of standing still for any appreciable length of time,” Lazarus told the congregation.

“His indomitable spirit, his sense of humour and his joir de vivre were infectious. His sense of humour was such that he could make light out of the very gravest of situations. Gassie, as he was affectionately known to us, approached life like Frank Sinatra — he did it his way. Whether he was enjoying a game of dominoes or cards; whether he was having a flutter — I’m sure that those who knew him well will understand; whether he was out in the bird bush, mischievously creeping out of his assigned stand to get an advantageous position; whether he was recounting a funny story in his own inimitable style, it was done Gassan’s way,” Lazarus said.

“As for his health, he was not one to be shackled by medical advice and, contrary to his doctor’s orders, continued to find ways to enjoy his beloved ice cream, and such the like, without detection,” he added.

He recounted some of their adventures on trips abroad, noting that London was Azan Sr’s favourite city, the fact that he enjoyed a good meal at a nice restaurant, as well as is many trips to Papine market to buy vegetables, especially a strain of small crunchy cucumbers which he loved.

“He arrived, unannounced, at my home on many a Saturday morning, armed with a bag of these cucumbers, as he was aware that I, too, am very fond of them,” Lazarus said.

“Then there was the Christmas Eve when he arrived, again without warning, at my home with a glass dining table and four chairs and ordered me to immediately replace the then table in my kitchen with the new one. That table is still there to this day,” Lazarus shared.

He also recalled Azan Sr’s dedication to Freemasonry, pointing out that he was a member of three lodges — Kingston, Friendly #239, and the Stewards Lodge — as well as three other Masonic Orders.

Milade Azan (left) stands by his son Kamaal as he delivers the remembrance for his uncle Gassan Azan Sr on Friday at The Church of St Margaret in St Andrew.

Afeef Lazarus delivers his tribute to his long-time friend Gassan Azan Sr during the thanksgiving service at The Church of St Margaret last Friday, November 28, 2025.

Milade Azan with his wife, Thelma (left), and sister, Sophia. Behind them are siblings Khaleel Azan (right) and sister Angelina.