The former Honorary British Consul in the Algarve, José Pearce de Azevedo, died on 20 January at the age of 83.
The British Ambassador, Jill Gallard, has said: "I am deeply saddened by José Azevedo's death. He was a dear and loyal friend of the UK and he will be warmly remembered by me and by many of his former colleagues at the British Consulates in Portimão and Lisbon, and at the Embassy.
"Joe, as he was fondly known, was our Honorary Consul in Portimão for over 30 years and we are extremely grateful for his long and devoted years of service to the British Foreign Office. He helped British citizens in distress, supported the wider British community in the Algarve and made a key contribution towards increasing British tourism to the region. Joe fulfilled his role with pride and commitment, but he also had a great sense of humour and was a devoted family man. His OBE was a well deserved award and he will be forever remembered by the many thousands of British citizens who came into contact with him during his vast career as Honorary British Consul in Portimão. Our thoughts are with his wife and family at this difficult time."
José Azevedo was the Honorary Consul in Portimão between 1974 and 2000, and Vice Consul from 1965-74, spanning a career of over 30 years. Joe was awarded the Order of the British Empire for his long and devoted years of service to the British Foreign Office, helping British citizens in distress and supporting the wider British community in the Algarve.
Azevedo was sociable and good humoured, charismatic, and took pleasure in sharing his vast experience of consular work with younger, less experienced colleagues. He fulfilled his Honorary Consul role with pride, commitment and motivation, and his OBE was just recognition of this.
He will be warmly remembered by his friends and former colleagues in Portimão and Lisbon.
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José Pearce de Azevedo was the grandson of Manuel Teixeira Gomes the seventh President of Portugal between October 5, 1923 and December 11. 1925
José was born in Lagos in 1930 and was the first president of the Regional Committee for Tourism of the Algarve (1970-1974), honorary consul of the United Kingdom for 35 years from 1965 to 2000, and also president of the Junta Autónoma dos Portos Barlavento (1963-1998).
He also was known as 'Mr. Tourism,' a title that given to him by The Times for his pivotal role during the establishment and promotion of tourism in the Algarve.
