Sandals founder Gordon 'Butch' Stewart passes aged 79

He described him as a gifted entrepreneur, marketing genius and talented showman – a dreamer "who could dream bigger and better than anyone".

"It was often said, ‘the best thing for people around him to do is be dream catchers’," said Stewart.

"That’s why he always credited his success to the incredible team around him, why he listened intently when it came to creating innovative things that would excite and delight our guests, and why it is so important I remind you today, of all days, that we will all continue to be his dream catchers."

Stewart continued: "Together, we have all been part of something bigger than ourselves, led by a man who believed in us and who gave us opportunities to learn, grow and the tools to make dreams real.

"For him, and because of him, we will continue to dream big and deliver on his certainty that true luxury is always best enjoyed by the sea.

"My dad lived a big life – husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather entrepreneur, statesman, dreamer.

"A singular personality and an unstoppable force who revelled in defying the odds, exceeding expectations and whose passion for his family was matched only by the people and possibility of the Caribbean, for whom he was a fierce champion.

"There will never be another quite like him, and we will miss him for ever.

"While I need to be with family right now, I look forward to speaking with you soon and sharing thoughts about the incredible future of this company built by this most incredible man.

"Until then, and to use the words of his iconic sign off, this one last time, All That’s Good."

Anyone wishing to pay tribute to Butch, share memories, personal stories or photos, is asked to email AllThatsGood@sandals.com.

’Way ahead of his time’

Jamaican prime minister Andrew Holness said: "It is with deep sadness that I learnt of the passing of one of Jamaica’s most brilliant, innovative and transformative business minds, the Honourable Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart.

"Butch was a man way ahead of his time, he had an eye for details and his ability to market and deliver world class service in any endeavour was tremendously distinctive. He was an extraordinary human being with an unwavering commitment to the social good.

"He has left his unmistakeable mark across the region and the world and we shall miss him dearly. I send heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the thousands of employees whose lives he no doubt personally impacted. This loss is not just Jamaica’s, it is the Caribbean’s."

Travel leaders in the UK also shared their warm tributes to Stewart.

Kuoni chief Derek Jones tweeted: "Such sad news. We’ve lost one of the most influential travel entrepreneurs of the past 50years and one of the industry’s biggest characters. Butch was pioneering all-inclusive long before it became mahoosive! RIP Butch."

Lisa McAuley, managing director of B2B tour operations at dnata Travel Europe, added: "My deepest condolences to the Stewart family and Sandals team. A travel legend in the truest sense with an indelible legacy."