Michael Azan enjoyed life and loved to dance. - Contributed

The following is a tribute from the loved ones of the late Michael Azan.

Michael Khaleel George Azan was born on October 9, 1903 in Lebanon and died on August 27 in Jamaica. He would have been 105 in October. He claimed that he was born on a Sunday when, "the church bells were ringing, the birds were singing and cool breezes were blowing".

This positive attitude led him to become a man of great charm and charisma, a great heart, a most loving and caring person and, at times, the most adorable rogue.

Khaleel and Sophia Azan gave birth to 16 children, nine of whom survived. At that time "The Lebanon" was part of Greater Syria, which was then under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, hence all immigrants to Jamaica in the early part of the century were known as Syrians.

Workers with the circus

The first Azans who came to Jamaica were Michael's uncles, arriving via Cuba where they had been workers with the circus, caring for the animals. George and Elias came following the end of World War I.

His father was a peasant farmer. In the spring and summer months he worked in the field with his Dad and took the produce to the market. In the winters he worked at odd jobs in construction, in restaurants and his favourite was as a stable boy grooming horses. Childhood as we know it never existed for Michael; he had very little education, no time for play but he harboured no regrets or bitterness.

So began his life-long affair with horses at the racetrack, a passion he pursued in Jamaica where he owned and raced horses. He was a well-known personality in the racing world for all his life.

Proud of his origins

He was always very proud of his origins, his people and their traditions. He often told stories of his youth as well as historical folk stories, all of which spoke to the meaning of life and addressed important life lessons. He was never daunted by adversary nor shirked responsibility. 'Uncle Mike' embraced hard work propelled by a determination to improve his and his family's lot in life.

Seeking a better life brought him and the rest of the family to join George and Elias in Jamaica. When Michael arrived George was a merchant in Kingston where many "Syrians" had settled. Whereas Elias was in Montego Bay, Michael first worked for Nathan's and when he had saved enough money he bought a bicycle and became a peddler, later joining Elias in Montego Bay. Soon it was decided that the brothers should join forces and in 1924 they formed the company "George Azan and Brothers" which was headquartered in Kingston. Michael was sent to Spaldings in 1927 to manage a newly acquired business.

He thrived and soon his brothers joined him and expanded the company acquiring properties in May Pen, Christiana, Frankfield and Cave Valley. The company was dissolved in 1942, Elias taking Christiana, Naseef went to Frankfield, George to May Pen and Mateel and Salma to Cave Valley.

Michael remained in Spaldings until the end of his life last month. His dream of returning to his cherished Lebanon was never realised. This disappointment never soured his vision of his life in Spaldings and he embraced the community which in turn, embraced him.

Trustworthy and efficient

Vida Lee came into his life first as a clerk and bookkeeper, working with his sisters in Cave Valley. Proving to be trustworthy and efficient, she was transferred to Spaldings. The charming Michael won her heart and soon they were married. Vida worked alongside him, never complaining and adapting herself to being a member of his large and gregarious clan. Vida, who predeceased Michael by 24 years, was mother of their seven children and welcomed two others into the fold, embracing them as her very own. She welcomed all the nephews and nieces, some of whom would reside with us at one time or the other. When she died in 1984 she was greatly mourned.