Friends and family of a popular bellman at the Hamilton Princess who died last month have paid tribute to a “devoted family man” and “true ambassador for Bermuda”.

Fitzroy Fisher, who was affectionately known as “Sleepy” to his friends, passed away on December 30, age 47.

Mr Fisher, a father of three, worked at the Sonesta Beach Hotel in Southampton before he moved to the Fairmont Hamilton Princess in October 2006.

More than 100 friends and family attended his funeral at the New Testament Church of God on Saturday, including hotel guests who had gotten to know him over the years and flew to Bermuda because they wanted to pay their respects.

“Fitzroy was a special brother,” his sister, Cheryl Effs, told The Royal Gazette

“He always put his family first and himself last. He was such a thoughtful, kind and loving brother and touched so many people’s lives.”

Carvel Vanputten, a fellow bellman at the Hamilton Princess, described his friend as “a lovable guy”.

“He was known as ‘Sleepy’ to all his friends, but ‘Junior’ within family circles,” he said.

“Everyone had time for him. He was a great guy to work with and the hotel guests loved him.

“He was always professional and took great pride in his appearance on the job.

“Outside of work Sleepy loved sport — he loved American football and football.

“He is a huge loss to the hotel, but also to his many family and friends.”

Renee Bean, a switchboard operator at the hotel, added: “He was the nicest person you could hope to meet. We established a real bond of friendship working together over the years.

“I would drive him home after work every Wednesday and we got to know each other really well.

“Everyone is still so upset that he is no longer here.

“He made such an impression on everyone he met. He will be truly missed by so many people.”

Mr Fisher was born in Jamaica in 1967 and his family relocated to Bermuda in 1975.

A year later his family won a landmark court victory known as “the Fisher case”, against a Government ruling that four of the children had to be deported because although Mrs Fisher was married to a Bermudian, they were her husband’s adopted children.

As a young boy he played football for North Village before moving to Devonshire Colts.

In 1984 he joined the Bermuda Police Cadets. Two years later he decided he wanted a change of career and started working at the Sonesta Beach Resort.

He went on to work at the Hamilton Princess and became a proud ambassador for Bermuda. After his passing on December 30 last year, his obituary page on The Royal Gazette’s website was flooded with dozens of tributes from family and friends.

Peter and Joanne Rooney, who flew to Bermuda from Long Island for Mr Fisher’s funeral, left a touching tribute to their close friend.

It said: “We enjoyed many days with Fitzroy at the Sonesta, Wyndham, and lastly the Hamilton Princess.

“All our children and grandchildren spent time with him at the hotels, Dockyard and St George’s, and all feel the family’s loss.

“We will especially miss his phone calls to us in New York on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day before our own children could get a chance to call.

“As our children said, he was a son to us.

“I would arrive at their house on Christmas all bubbly with the announcement that Fitzroy had called.

“He would make our day and can’t believe I cannot pick up the phone and speak to him to discuss the latest Bermuda news, the latest sports games, no matter what team or sport.

“We had many good times in Bermuda and are just sorry he never got to New York as he wanted to go to a NY Giants game.

“I know the Hamilton Princess knew they had a star employee who loved his job and their clients — he put a smile on their face with that beautiful smile he had.

“Miss you Fitz, and will be ever thankful for being able to call you one of our sons.”

Allan C Federer, General Manager of the Fairmont Hamilton Princess added: “It is with a heavy heart that we learned of the passing of our beloved employee Fitzroy O’Neil Fisher.

“As bellman, Fitzroy warmly welcomed visitors to the hotel and guests and employees alike enjoyed his warm spirit.

“Our deepest sympathy is with his family, friends and fellow Fairmont colleagues, who have lost a dearly loved companion.”