George Henry, Gleaner Writer

Azan

SPALDINGS, Clarendon:

The community of Spaldings in Clarendon, and several other communities in the neighbouring parish of Manchester, have lost one of their oldest, well-known, loved and respected community icons, businessman and philanthropist, Michael George Azan.

Azan, who was better known as 'Uncle Mike', 'Daddy Mike' and 'Busha', passed away peacefully on Wednesday at 10:20 p.m. at the Percy Junor Hospital, the health facility to which he contributed generously for several decades.

Health complications

The longest living member of the Azan family in Jamaica, and grandfather of former Member of Parliament for North West Clarendon, Richard Azan, Uncle Mike would have celebrated his 105th birthday in October.

'Uncle Mike', whose wife Vida Lee-Azan predeceased him in 1984, conducted business in the centre of the town of Spaldings, at the well known building, Azan's Victory House. He will be remembered for his many acts of kindness to hundreds of persons of all ages, particularly the poor and dispossessed, from Clarendon, Manchester, St Ann, Trelawny and St Elizabeth.

He started his business in the Clarendon town in 1921 and ceased being active as a dry goods merchant in the late 1980s.

Good to the poor

Hazel Facey-South, who worked with Azan for more than two decades, said the philanthropist cannot be forgotten, as he was too good to the poor. She pointed out that, persons, who faced financial difficulties while he was in business, but needed goods, were never embarrassed when they went to him.

"He was such a wonderful man to the people of Spaldings and other areas. When you had very little money and you went to him to buy things, he would allow you to pay down something on it, on lay-away, and you paid little, little until you were finished," said Facey-South.

She stated that persons, who wanted loans, could also get same from 'Uncle Mike', and would be given time to pay back ,with single digit interest or with no interest added.

Cherished memories

His eldest son, Emile 'Sonny' Azan, told The Gleaner, minutes after his father's passing, that details of the celebration for his life would be announced at a later date

'Uncle Mike' has also left behind, to cherish the memories of his long life, sons Anwar, Victor, Malek, Khaleel; daughters Yolanda and Odette, numerous grand and great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, other relatives, friends and associates.