Tributes to popular Dubai magazine owner after sudden death

This content was originally posted in 7DAYS UAE website at: Tributes to popular Dubai magazine owner after sudden death Tributes have been made to Dominic De Sousa, a leading member of the region’s media industry, who died after collapsing on stage during an event on Wednesday. The popular “eccentric”, as colleagues described him, was hosting the BBC Good Food awards in Dubai when he fell ill. Born in Kenya to Brazilian-Indian parents, De Sousa moved to England at the age of eight before coming to Dubai, where he founded the CPI Group. The company publishes more than 125 titles including OK! Middle East, and BBC Good Food. A public memorial service took place yesterday at the St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Jebel Ali for friends and family to pay their last respects. “He went doing what he loved,” said Richard Hease, Chairman of Turret Media – the organisers of BBC Good Food Show Dubai. “He loved singing and his Elvis impression was fantastic. It was quite surprising when he came on stage Wednesday night, he just busted out his first number and then welcomed the audience, telling them what a great evening it would be. “After that he started an Elvis number and collapsed on stage in between.” Hease added: “He was a larger-than- life entrepreneur. He once said he was not eccentric just different, but he was an eccentric personality while also being extremely creative. “He was a very fun person to be around, lived life and enjoyed entertaining others.” Hease said that although the cause of death had yet to be confirmed, De Sousa, 56 had heart problems. Hease said that due to work commitments he wouldn’t be able to make the memorial but sent his condolences to De Sousa’s family. He said: “I’m sure he would have wanted us to keep the show and exhibition going and we are determined to do justice to his dreams and ideas for the Good Food Show. “We want to keep his legacy going.” mahak@7days.ae Read the original story at: Tributes to popular Dubai magazine owner after sudden death