Mr Mizzi pictured during an interview with The Sunday Times of Malta in 2012.

Albert Mizzi, one of Malta’s leading entrepreneurs, fundamental in the setting up various State entities including Air Malta, passed away yesterday aged 87.

During a career spanning 70 years, Mr Mizzi not only expanded his family business but also made a name for himself in the real estate sector and the tourism industry. His major projects include Santa Maria estate in Mellieħa, Tigné Point and Manoel Island as well as the Mellieħa Bay Hotel.

Later on, successive governments sought his advice, most notably in the setting up of Air Malta in 1974, for which he served as executive chairman for 19 years.

Mr Mizzi was also involved in the establishment of other entities such as Sea Malta, Middle Sea and Medserv.

However, he did not relish the glory of the media spotlight, nor was he the type to indulge himself in certain excesses to showcase the wealth he had accumulated over the years.

“My uncle was a very unassuming person. He never had flashy cars or expensive watches. For him if it worked, it was good,” Julian Sammut told the Times of Malta.

He said the driving force behind his uncle’s achievements was not so much a desire to increase personal wealth, but the satisfaction derived from reaching his goals.

“As a matter of fact he never got any remuneration for the services rendered to the government over the years,” Mr Sammut said. “The things he detested most were dishonesty and falsity,” he added.

When he was just 19, Bertie, as he was affectionately known, joined the family business of Alf Mizzi & Sons Group of Companies and within a few years decided to venture into the property market.

One of his first projects was Santa Maria estate in Mellieħa in the early 1960s. Soon after he set his eyes on another ambitious project – the construction of Mellieħa Bay Hotel.

Mr Mizzi’s involvement in government projects started in the early 1970s when the then Prime Minister, Dom Mintoff, had approached him over the setting up of Air Malta.

Since then he served under five different prime ministers and managed to keep good relations with both sides of the political spectrum. In 2004, the PN government had sought Mr Mizzi’s advice over the controversial acquisition of Dar Malta in central Brussels.

“A decade later I can only say that his advice was proven right,” former Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi yesterday told this newspaper.

In a statement, the government described Mr Mizzi as one of Malta’s finest businessmen who would leave a lasting legacy on future generations.

He never had flashy cars or expensive watches. For him if it worked, it was good

Asked in 2012 in why he remained so active, Mr Mizzi replied: “Because I love it. I get up in the morning and look forward to going to work. I don’t work for money because I’ve made my money”.

Condolences were also extended by the Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry who described Mr Mizzi as one of Malta’s foremost entrepreneurs and a gentleman. The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association also saluted Mr Mizzi for his contribution to the tourism industry.

Meanwhile HSBC Bank Malta yesterday announced that it would observe two days of mourning as a sign of respect to the passing away of its first ever chairman. Mr Mizzi held the post for 14 years until stepping down in 2013.

The Nationalist and Labour parties both expressed sympathy and extended their condolences to the Mizzi family.

The funeral will be held at the Balluta parish church tomorrow at 8.30am.