Francis Hadeed delivered a heartfelt tribute to his late uncle, Sir Aziz Hadeed, on Saturday, describing him as a mentor, father figure and trusted guide whose influence shaped both his family and the businesses he built over a lifetime.
According to Antigua News Room, Francis spoke on behalf of the Hadeed family during the official funeral service at Holy Family Cathedral, telling mourners that Sir Aziz's impact reached far beyond his considerable business achievements.
"Uncle Aziz was much more than an uncle. He was a father figure, a mentor, a guide and a dear friend," he said.
Francis recalled that he and his brother Andrew spent decades working alongside Sir Aziz, absorbing lessons they said would stay with them for life. Sir Aziz instilled in them that every customer deserved equal respect regardless of background or social standing, and he insisted that family members earn their positions within the business rather than receive preferential treatment.
"When Andrew and I joined the business, we did not get any special privileges," Francis said. "We both started on the showroom floor learning the business from the ground up."
He said Sir Aziz measured success not solely by financial gain, but by the lives a person touches and the opportunities they create for others. Throughout his life, Sir Aziz quietly supported countless individuals and families without seeking public recognition, and Francis said the widespread outpouring of grief following his death reflected the deep respect he had earned across Antigua and Barbuda.
"The outpouring of love we have witnessed over the past few weeks is a testament to the extraordinary life he lived," Francis said.
Reflecting on their personal bond, Francis described Sir Aziz as one of the greatest men he had ever known, crediting his mentorship and friendship with helping shape his own life and career. He pledged that the family would carry forward the values and principles Sir Aziz upheld throughout his life.
"We will carry forward the lessons you taught us, uphold the standards you set and ensure future generations understand and appreciate the foundation you worked so hard to build," he said.
Sir Aziz died on May 23 and was laid to rest following the cathedral service. Family members affirmed that his legacy would endure through the businesses, institutions and lives he influenced across the course of his lifetime.
