Members of Sir Aziz Hadeed's family delivered deeply personal tributes at his official funeral on Saturday, painting a portrait of a man who served as father figure, mentor and guiding presence to those closest to him — one who measured success not in wealth, but in the lives he shaped.
According to Antigua.news, the service was held at the Holy Family Cathedral, where family representatives shared memories that ranged from boardroom lessons to beloved holiday traditions.
Francis Hadeed, delivering the tribute on behalf of the Hadeed family, told mourners he had worked alongside his uncle for 35 years, beginning from the very start of his career. "His thoughts and lessons will remain with me for the rest of my life," Francis said.
He recalled that Sir Aziz extended no special privileges to him or his brother Andrew when they joined the family business, placing them both on the showroom floor and insisting they learn from the ground up. "Whether it was Gray's Farm, Old Road, Marble Hill, Hodges Bay — everyone was treated equally," Francis said. "Uncle Aziz, I promise you today, your legacy will endure."
Taylor Hadeed drew on family memory and personal affection in her tribute, describing Sir Aziz as the family patriarch who pinched cheeks, bit ears and loved unconditionally. She recalled his intensity at board meetings, where he was already immersed in the financial statements before others had settled into their seats. "He'd tell me over and over — numbers don't lie, understand the numbers," she said.
Taylor noted that Sir Aziz had championed her appointment to the board of the family's companies, and that she had since been given his office at Hadeed Motors. "I hope to make even a quarter of the impact that he did from that office," she said.
She also shared a lighter memory, revealing that she and a cousin had secretly frozen an egg this Easter in hopes of finally defeating Sir Aziz in the family's annual egg-fighting tradition. "We still lost," she said.
Dr. Hassan Aboud, speaking as Sir Aziz's brother-in-law and representing the Aboud family, recalled that his sister, Lady Mahasin Hadeed, had worried about leaving her family behind when she moved to the island. She found in Antigua, he said, a chosen family that embraced her fully.
Aboud described Sir Aziz as a humanitarian and visionary whose door was never closed. He recounted a story Sir Aziz himself had shared — of a young man who arrived at his gates with no food and no shoes, and whom Sir Aziz sat with, listened to and gave an opportunity to build a better life.
"He was never one to turn anyone away," Aboud said. He added that Sir Aziz would not have wanted those gathered to dwell in grief. "I believe he would tell us, no, no, no — don't be sad for me. He lived a life filled with purpose, love and accomplishment. He would want us to celebrate the life he lived and continue the work that he started."
