Often referred to as the "King of All-Inclusives," "Cupid of the Caribbean," and the "Master of Marketing," The Honorable Gordon "Butch" Stewart was a beacon in the travel industry. He was a man with a great vision of courage to build, grow and evolve his business, always moving forward and looking into the future.
What started as a simple dream to transform a dilapidated resort on a magnificent stretch of beach in Montego Bay, Jamaica, has revolutionized the all-inclusive landscape forever.
Stewart was not only a Jamaican boy turned hotelier; he was a quintessential marketer, innovator, and philanthropist. He was a man who believed in teamwork, a man who adored his family and created a family at his resorts. He was a man who mentored many and believed in endless possibilities. Most notably, he was a man who loved his hometown country – Jamaica and the wider Caribbean community. Gordon "Butch" Stewart believed in love, and his big dreams propelled Sandals Resorts to become one of the world's most recognized brands – a true labor of love.
Stewart's passing is a significant loss for everyone in the Caribbean, the travel agent community, and so many people across the world. His news sent waves of sadness through everyone's hearts, not only within his family, but the entire travel industry. Many paid tribute to him over the last few days at public services held in Montego Bay and Kingston. A private funeral service for the family was held at his Rio Chico estate in Jamaica on January 9, 2020. As a special tribute and in honor of Mr. Stewart's memory, Sandals Resorts International has made his service available for everyone to view at https://www.inmemoryofgordonbutchstewart.com.
Due to the tremendous outpouring of love and support from those whose lives were touched by the beloved Mr. Stewart, the team at Sandals Resorts International has also created an email address for those wishing to express condolences and share testimonials, stories and memories. Within these emails, many write about his trailblazing entrepreneurial spirit, his humanitarian efforts and his enduring philanthropy. While every story is different and details personal encounters, one thing is quite evident - Mr. Stewart will be missed tremendously. For those hoping to share more stories, please send a note to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Mr. Stewart's son and now Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, Adam Stewart, described his father by stating, "You approached every day to change the world; for you, nothing was impossible, and no goal was set too high. Our family couldn't be prouder of the legacy you have created or the incredible life you lived," Proving that Mr. Stewart's mantra of not working a day in his life was the best decision he could have ever made. "Even though he is now watching from above, he has left behind a strong team of passionate individuals who will continue his mighty legacy," continued Adam.
To pay tribute to Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart and the incredible mark he left on the Caribbean, most notably to his hometown island of Jamaica, the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) have decided to honor his passing in February with the Keys to the City of Kingston alongside late reggae pioneer Frederick "Toots" Hibbert.
Much of Mr. Stewart's legacy was known for the tremendous impact he made on the tourism industry and how he transformed the concept of all-inclusive resorts. But he was also a firm believer in giving people chances and providing them with the opportunity to succeed, especially within his beloved Caribbean hometown. In his philanthropic and mentorship spirit, The Gordon 'Butch' Stewart Tourism & Hospitality Scholarship was born alongside the esteemed Sandals Corporate University. Furthering his legacy and keeping his passion for philanthropy and mentorship alive, the scholarship will provide young professionals the necessary tools to develop and build their skill set, earn a living and most importantly, provide them with opportunity.
In addition to philanthropy, Mr. Stewart was a true Caribbean man through and through. He was a lover of swimming and fishing and would often pick his newest resorts purely by the beauty of the beach. To celebrate his love of being near the sea, The Sandals Foundation has developed a dedicated Marine Conservation effort in his name to preserve the beautiful Caribbean Sea that he loved so much. More information can be found at www.sandalsfoundation.org.
Mr. Gordon "Butch" Stewart built a brand rooted in love and family - two necessities in life - and he not only believed in it, but he also lived and breathed it every day of his life. His spirit and legacy of love and passion in the world will continue to live on for years to come. It will live on in the stories people are sharing of how he touched their lives, in the love that is visible in the eyes of friends and family and through the countless guests who will share their moments of love at the resorts built on love.
