Trading and hotels magnate George Harilela worked to the end

The patriarch of one of the city's leading business families, George Harilela, died in hospital yesterday afternoon following surgery earlier this week. Harilela, 86, who was an executive director of the family's trading and hotel businesses until his death, was the oldest member of the famous Indian family.

He had gone to hospital for 'non-invasive surgery' early this week and died at noon yesterday, his family said.

Nephew Aron Harilela said his uncle, who was head of trading operations, had remained mentally and physically active and had continued to work until 11/2 weeks ago.

'He was 86 and he had some issues with his health, but he passed away peacefully. He went to hospital a few days ago and there were some complications following surgery,' he said.

His uncle's wife of 50 years, Chandra, and several other family members were at his bedside at the Sanatorium Hospital when he died, he said.

In recent months, Harilela had used a wheelchair to remain mobile, but nonetheless went to work at his office most days.

He was instrumental in keeping the large and extended Harilela family a tight-knit group over the years. Four generations continue to live under one roof at the family's 100,000 sq ft mansion in Kowloon Tong and many work in positions throughout the Harilela Group and its associated companies.