LUKE Hasson, one of the north-west’s best known businessmen, has died suddenly.
As the former managing director of Austin’s Department Store for almost forty years, Luke Hasson was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Chamber of Commerce following his retirement in 2015.
His distinguished career included board appointments to Northern Ireland Railways and the Northern Ireland Fire Authority.
He had a particular passion for rail transport and fought hard to maintain the network in the north-west when the long term viability of local rail services was being questioned.
As a former president of the Chamber of Commerce, he was instrumental in the revitalisation of Derry city centre, which ultimately led to the building of both the Richmond and Foyleside shopping complexes.
A much loved and respected man, he is survived by his wife Mar, daughters Sinead, Naomi, Aideen, Orla and Lucy, daughter-in-law Bette, sons- in-law Gorka, Eoin, Paco, Wolgang and grandchildren along with his brothers Paul, John, Declan and sister Ann.
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood paid tribute to Mr Hasson saying: “I am so sorry to hear this. Such a good man.”
Funeral arrangements will be announced over the next few days.
Austins at The Diamond in Derry
It stood through two world wars and the Troubles.
The store was opened by Thomas Austin in 1830 and remained in his family until the 1970s when it was bought by Derry businessman, Larry Hasson.
Until 2016 it remained standing as the world’s oldest independent department store.
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