Family and friends are mourning the loss of Clarence Ross Smith, a well-known figure in the St George’s community.

A founder of the Bermuda Heritage Association, Mr Smith worked with the Corporation of St George for more than ten years as an alderman and served as the PLP St George’s branch chair.

He was first elected to the post of common councillor in May 1991, and voted in as an alderman the next year.

He served as an alderman for another eight years, working as chairman for the wharf committee, property committee, parks committee, building application committee and the finance committee.

Mr Smith later unsuccessfully ran for mayor of the town, but was able to return to the post of alderman in June 2005.

Asked in 2003 why he wanted to become mayor, he told The Royal Gazette: “I love my town and want it to be a vibrant, safe, healthy, enjoyable and clean place for residents, business and visitors to live and operate in and enjoy.”

Speaking yesterday, St George’s Mayor Quinell Francis said yesterday: “Mr Smith was a man who worked diligently for his community of St George, and was well respected.

“He was an historian and always ensured that whomever he spoke with, a brief history lesson was given.

“He will be missed in the Old Towne as he was a visitor ambassador with the BTA.

“The Corporation of St George sends our condolences to his family and the community during this difficult time.”

Patricia Gordon-Pamplin, the Minister of Community, Culture and Sports, said she had been friends with Mr Smith in the 1970s, and knew him as the life of the party.

“He was a fun-loving kind of individual,” she said. “He would go out of his way to help people. He was always considerate of other people.”

PLP senator Renee Ming paid tribute to Mr Smith last week, saying he had a history of, and passion for, serving his community.