The children of an American restaurateur who died while holidaying in Bermuda have spoken of their father’s love for the island.

Tom Power passed away last Tuesday after getting into difficulty while swimming off Pompano Beach Club in Southampton.

Mr Power and his wife, Mary Ellen, made their first trip to Bermuda for their honeymoon in August 1961 and had returned numerous times since.

The couple’s son Thomas Power Jr and daughters Cathy Power Pattisall and Mary Ellen Power Rogers described their father as a “happy, proud man with a great sense of humour”.

“Daddy was 81,” the siblings said. “He was swimming in the beautiful blue water of Bermuda and he was with my mother, the love of his life. He had a great life. We’re incredibly proud of both he and our mom.

“Bermuda is a place they loved and had vacationed many times over their 56 years of marriage.”

Mr Power Sr together with his wife and children run the Cheese Shop and the Fat Canary restaurant on Williamsburg’s Merchants Square in Virginia.

On their most recent trip to Bermuda on June 6 they had travelled with Mrs Power’s brother, Bill Edwards, and his wife Faye.

The family statement read: “This past week they spent a day on the ocean watching the America’s Cup race.

“They also spent lots of time on the beach, swimming and generally enjoying everything. Daddy loved the ocean. He was often the first to dive in. He loved the waves, and frequently swam out farther than anyone else.

“On Monday night there was a big storm and it changed the current and water temperature. When my father swam the next morning, it’s possible that the current or colder water made it difficult for him.

“Mom told us he showed good strong strokes when he arrived at the platform but when he tried to return, he got caught up in the current.

“She said he continued to swim with deliberate and strong strokes, and then abruptly stopped. A few hotel guests and a lifeguard swam out to help him, but it was too late.

“It’s been a great comfort knowing that Bill and Faye are with her at this time. Daddy loved and adored our mom, his family, our business and staff, and had more friends than can be counted. We will all miss him terribly.”

Mrs Power Rogers told The Royal Gazette the family was extremely grateful for the all the support from friends and family in the aftermath of their father’s death.

She added: “Our parents have had success in their businesses for 46 years because of sustained hard work and a commitment to respecting their customers and staff.

“Our dad appreciated and recognised the hard work of our staff. Daddy took the time to speak to everyone he crossed paths with, not just the senators and celebrities that were our guests in our business but also the plumber and gardener.

“He had an amazing ability to remember names and important details about people; that gift is what made him a great restaurateur and retailer.”