Businessman Antony “Monty” Francis was remembered fondly by MPs on both sides of the House of Assembly after his death just short of his 58th birthday last week.

One Bermuda Alliance MP Sylvan Richards recalled sharing accommodation with Mr Francis in Washington during their college days at Howard University.

The two went on to “support each other through our careers in the insurance industry”, Mr Richards told the House.

“He was a really, really good friend,” Mr Richards added. “Friends like that don’t come by every day.”

Sports minister Michael Weeks, who is also a Howard alumnus, said Mr Francis had “proudly” headed Diamond Insurance, a small black business.

Progressive Labour Party MP Derrick Burgess added that the business had been started by Mr Francis’s father.

“He was a well-respected citizen of this country, a good son to his mother and father and husband to Keisha, his wife,” Mr Burgess added.

Offering condolences to the Francis family, Michael Dunkley, the former Premier, said the two had a “close relationship” on a business level.

Funeral arrangements will be released in due course.