Alex Swan, a prominent businessman and entrepreneur, has died. Mr Swan was 76.

The realtor and developer was a decades-long friend and business associate of Sir John Swan, the former premier.

Mr Swan was a general manager for John W. Swan Limited, and ran the company during Sir John’s time in political office.

His work there laid the foundation for his future business success.

Mr Swan later operated Progressive Realty and bought the rental division of John W. Swan Limited, JWS Rentals, in 1998.

Sir John said he met Mr Swan when both of their families lived in the Mount Hill area of Pembroke.

He said he worked with Mr Swan for about 33 years that he was a focused worker and a proud father.

Sir John said: “Alex was a very definitive worker. He got on with whatever job he was given.

“When I became Minister of Marine and Ports, I left him in charge of sales for the company. He was my No 1 real estate person.

“We were also friends. We did things together and even travelled together.”

Sir John added that Mr Swan was involved with the Pembroke Hamilton Club and had served as its president.

He said: “Alex was a big PHC man. He loved that club.”

MPs on both sides of the House paid tribute to him at Friday’s House of Assembly session.

Kim Swan, of the Progressive Labour Party, said Mr Swan had been a stalwart of the football community.

Rolfe Commissiong, a PLP backbencher, added Mr Swan had been an “an iconic, pioneering figure in Bermuda’s black community” for decades.

Mr Commissiong said he had “paved the way in terms of black business development and entrepreneurship”.

He added: “He had an abiding love and interest in the welfare of Bermuda and Bermudians.

“That generation that he was a part of laid the foundation for the Bermuda we have today.”

Michael Weeks, of the PLP, said Mr Swan was “a knowledgeable colleague” at the Leopards Club in Hamilton.