Mumbai, Dec 8 :     Darbari S. Seth, chairman emeritus of Tata Chemicals, Tata Tea, Rallis India and erstwhile director of Tata Sons, passed away in London today, following a heart attack. He was 79 and is survived by his wife Brish Seth, three daughters and his son Manu Seth who is the managing director of Tata Chemicals. According to Tata officials, Seth, who was on his way back to Mumbai from London, died before he could be admitted to a hospital. His wife, Brish, was with him when the tragedy occurred. The Seths had gone on a holiday to the US, sources said, adding that his son is currently travelling abroad. R. K. Krishnakumar, vice-chairman of Tata Tea and managing director of Indian Hotels, rushed to London on hearing the news. Seth?s body may be brought to India on Friday, Bombay House sources said. Known as ?the man with the Midas touch?, Seth was among the few satraps from the J.R.D. Tata era and made corporate history during a glorious career with the Tatas spanning over 52 years. A chemical engineer from the University of Cincinnati in the US, Seth was known to be one of JRD Tata?s key advisers. A director of over 20 companies, Seth was also until recently, chairman of some 14 companies which included star performers as Tata Chemicals, Tata Tea, Consolidated Coffee, Excel Industries and Rallis India. He retired as chairman of Tata Chemicals and remained director of the group holding company, Tata Sons till 1995. However, he decided to step aside as chairman of the companies to make room for the next generation, in line with the retirement norms laid down by Ratan Tata. The house of Tatas in a press release observed: ?It is, however, a remarkable testimony of the recognition and admiration which he earned, that, in every company where he stepped down as the chairman, his colleagues on the board asked him to continue as the chairman-emeritus so that the companies would continue to avail of his wise counsel and support.?