Friends, family and colleagues of K. Murray Brown have paid tribute to the entrepreneur and activist who died on Monday at the age of 63.

Mr. Brown, a close confidante of Premier Dr. Ewart Brown, has been remembered as a "quiet warrior": a successful businessman and social justice advocate with a lifelong commitment to progressive politics.

As the first editor of the now-defunct Bermuda Times newspaper in 1987, the owner of a charter flights company, co-founder of a health charity and a prominent anti-apartheid campaigner, Mr. Brown's influence was felt across many sectors.

Government race relations adviser Rolfe Commissiong described the news of his death as a great shock to the community at large, adding that his impact on the fight for racial equality in Bermuda will not be forgotten.

"The news of his death struck like a thunderbolt," said Mr. Commissiong, who worked under Mr. Brown at the Bermuda Times. "I would characterise him as a quiet warrior. He wasn't always demonstrative, but he had a deep commitment to social justice."

A lifelong Progressive Labour Party supporter, Mr. Brown was a "leading light" in the local anti-apartheid movement in the 1980s, organising demonstrations and imploring Bermuda's Government and private sector to sever links with South Africa.

"He raised consciousness in Bermuda about the evil of apartheid," Mr. Commissiong said. "He, along with Glenn Fubler and Dr. Ronald Lightbourne were the 'young Turks' of the anti-apartheid era.

"His organisation was robust, and formed part of the ongoing struggle for social justice in Bermuda. His commitment never diminished."

Mr. Commissiong described Mr. Brown as a "pioneer" of the local travel industry, who organised charter flights to Jamaica starting in the 1970s, adding Cuba as a destination years later.

"He had an appreciation of Cuban culture," Mr. Commissiong said. "He helped put Cuba on the map in terms of travel for Bermudians."

Local author and commentator Ira Philip remembers being a board member at the Bermuda Broadcasting Commission when Mr. Brown was chairman, and described him as "a colleague and good friend."

"He was a progressive, forward-thinking young man who had all the characteristics of a gentleman and a scholar," Mr. Philip said. "He was also conscious of his roots, being a grandson of the Bermuda Union of Teachers founder Rev. Rufus Stovell. He was bred to play a part in the community."

Mr. Philip described Mr. Brown as a "good and creative" editor of the Bermuda Times. "His record stands," he said.

Those closest to Mr. Brown will remember him as a gentle family man with a calm demeanour.

"He was very family-oriented," said his older sister Norma Cann. "He always wanted to arrange or be at family functions. He didn't take it lightly."

She added that her brother had left his mark on the local community, both young and old – as evidenced by the phone calls of condolence pouring in.

"He was known by the younger people as Uncle Murray," she said. "He was known by more people than I could ever have imagined."

Mr. Commissiong said that his prevailing memory of Mr. Brown will be as a campaigner for racial equality.

"My last conversation with him was the night of the Big Conversation documentary," he said. "I felt so relieved when he gave me the thumbs up outside the Liberty Theatre. When it came to those types of things, his opinion mattered."

Mr. Brown has been described as "like a brother" to the Premier, and worked alongside Dr. Brown and his two brothers Vincent Hollinsid and Philip Butterfield to found the local Bermuda Health Foundation charity in 2003.

The group aims to provide financial support for Bermudian students pursuing careers in the medical field.

"He was passionate about ensuring Bermudians got some assistance for their education," Mr. Hollinsid told The Royal Gazette.

He described Mr. Brown, a Howard University graduate, as "very intelligent", adding: "He was quiet-mannered, a hard worker and a deep thinker. I appreciate the time I spent with him."