Tributes have flooded in from across Bermuda after the death of a highly respected businessman and a community champion dedicated to his country.

Michael King passed away yesterday morning at the age of 72.

The father-of-two was a prominent figure in Bermuda’s banking industry for many decades as well as a staunch supporter of both the Bermuda National Trust and the St John Ambulance Brigade.

He served on the board of Bermuda Press Holdings Ltd (BPHL) for almost 30 years, most recently as chairman.

Last night Mr King was remembered for his wonderful sense of humour and tireless commitment to his fellow countrymen. His sister, Ann Francis, told The Royal Gazette: “Michael was a wonderful young man. He was always a saver.

“As children, we would all get a shilling allowance every week. He always saved sixpence. He would spend threepence on a scoop of ice cream and threepence on candy, but save the rest.

“We were very close as children. Michael was a typical boy; always playing and always having fun.

“He was protective of me, but I was very fortunate with my brothers. Now I just cannot believe I have lost one.”

Mr King grew up on Cox’s Hill in Pembroke with four siblings and parents Dr Vivian O’Donnell King and Dorothea Agnes Crawford King.

He attended West Pembroke Primary and the Berkeley Institute before moving to Rossall School in Lancashire, England, at the age of 14.

He went on to study business at university in London and in 1970 joined Barclays Bank, where he worked for three years.

After brief spells in Antigua and Barbados, Mr King returned to Bermuda in 1976 to work for the Bermuda Provident Bank. He remained with the bank, which became the Bermuda Commercial Bank, until he retired at the age of 54. His brother, Bob King, added: “Michael was a dedicated individual — dedicated to the Island and its people. He had a genuine interest in the betterment of all people.

“In his professional life, he was forthright and astute. But as a brother, there was much teasing and great fun between us. We often travelled together and always remained very close. He will be greatly missed by us all.”

Sir John Swan, the former Premier, said: “Michael and I had been friends for many years and I was very much embraced by his family.

“Michael had a big brain and a big heart. He did not suffer fools gladly, and he called it as he saw it.

“He truly was one of Bermuda’s best entrepreneurs.

“Michael came, he gave, he shared and he believed. He is gone, but not forgotten.”

After retiring, Mr King acquired Bermuda Mechanical Supply Company Ltd. He became president of the Bermuda National Trust in 1987, as well as chairman of the St John Ambulance and the Heydon Trust, and he also represented the United Bermuda Party (UBP) as a senator.

Close friend Colonel Michael Darling, who worked with Mr King while president at the Trust, said: “Michael was a credit to his family. He was a thoroughly decent man with a wonderful sense of humour.

“He was a wonderful man to spend time with: he had a lovely chuckle and a fantastic wit. Michael contributed a huge amount to Bermuda; he was a very public-spirited gentleman.”

Justin Williams, deputy chairman of St John Ambulance, added: “Mr King has been chairman of the board since 2012 and has been involved with the brigade for almost 30 years. He has made a significant contribution to the development of the Order in Bermuda. He was kind-hearted and respected by all. He will be greatly missed.”

Jennifer Gray, executive director of the National Trust, said: “Mr King served on the council of the Trust for nearly a decade as a committed board member.

“His passion for Bermuda’s heritage helped to steer many successes at the trust during this time.”

In 1987, Mr King stepped to the plate and served as president in a challenging year when the Island was devastated by Hurricane Emily. The Trust has infinite respect for all council members and particularly past presidents. Their role is demanding and voluntary. Their efforts in the preservation of our natural and built heritage have become a recorded legacy of the Trust, and our work in Bermuda, and Mr King will be remembered fondly and with respect for his dedication and contributions to this charity.” Also in 1987, Mr King joined the BPHL board of directors under the chairmanship of Roger Davidson.

He served as deputy chairman from 2008 to 2012 under Christopher Whittle and became chairman in 2012.

Jonathan Howes, chief executive officer of BPHL, said: “I was deeply saddened to hear that Michael King passed away. He was truly passionate about the success of the Bermuda Press (Holdings) Ltd and its staff. I had worked closely with Michael for the past seven years and his counsel will be missed.”

Stephen Thomson, deputy chairman of BPHL, said: “Michael was a larger-than-life individual.

“He was involved in the massive shifts and restructuring within the publishing and printing industries in Bermuda over three decades.

“Michael was a hands-on chairman and highly involved in the future planning and structural changes within our organisation. Bermuda Press Holdings and our affiliated companies owe much to Michael King for his steady hand, hard work and fair and balanced handling of many difficult situations that presented themselves in recent years.

“He was a man of great integrity, had a wonderful sense of humour and always stopped and made time for everyone he encountered.

“Words that come to mind when dealing with Michael King as our chairman are honesty, loyalty, respect, integrity, humour, pride, hard work, reliable and, above all, dependable.

“On behalf of our entire board, management and staff of all the affiliated companies of Bermuda Press (Holdings )Ltd, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Vivienne, and son and daughter, Robert and Dorothy.” Mr Davidson added: “Michael had a great business sense and was an extremely clever fellow. He was very easy to get along with and never held a grudge.

“He could find the good in almost every situation, which made him very popular. He made life easy for anyone who was working with him.”

Mr Whittle told The Royal Gazette: “Michael was full of life and he had a wonderful sense of humour irrespective of the difficulties we were facing at the time. He was a very astute man, as well as a caring and thoughtful man. He did a great deal for his community and the company, most of it behind the scenes, as he was not one for the limelight. Michael was a loving family man, and he will be a great loss to the community and company.”