Wayne Jackson, who died last week, was remembered yesterday for his work to preserve green space in Bermuda for future generations.

Mr Jackson was 79. He served as president of the Bermuda National Trust from 2002 to 2005.

Bill Zuill, executive director of the National Trust, said that Mr Jackson had a “passionate commitment to the missions” of the organisation.

Mr Zuill added: “He remained a great supporter of the Trust after he finished as president and stepped down from council.”

He said that Mr Jackson’s major achievement was the launch of the Buy Back Bermuda campaign — a joint venture between the BNT and the Bermuda Audubon Society, which bought land at risk from development.

The bits of land were turned into nature reserves at Somerset Long Bay, the eight-acre Vesey Nature Reserve in Southampton, and Hamilton Parish’s Eve’s Pond, a 3.36-acre property bought in 2008.

The Trust also expanded its publishing work under Mr Jackson. Books included Rogues & Runners: Bermuda and the American Civil War.

Mr Zuill said that Mr Jackson would be remembered for his fundraising efforts and for the “financial viability” of the organisation while he was at the helm.

He added: “Those efforts have stood the Trust in good stead since — especially in the economically difficult years since 2008.”

Alana Anderson, president of the BNT, said Mr Jackson had welcomed her to the organisation with “open arms”.

Ms Anderson added: “He was generous with his time and passionate about his vision for the Trust and how important it was to get involved.

“I am deeply saddened by his passing and on behalf of the Trust send sincere condolences to his family.”

Andrew Dobson, president of the Bermuda Audubon Society, said Mr Jackson was “a true gentleman” and that “the island would be an even better place if there were more like him”.

Mr Dobson added: “He was a family man, a hard-working businessman and a passionate philanthropist devoting much of his time to raising funds for good causes or leading charity boards and their branches.

“He was crucial to Audubon and the Bermuda National Trust sealing the deal to form the Buy Back Bermuda committee and his faith in God and good people influenced positive change for his beloved Bermuda.”

A home-going service will be held at First Church of God, on North Shore Road, Pembroke, today at 3pm.

Mr Jackson was the son of W. Vernon and Nina Jackson.

He is survived by wife Juliette, children Anthony, Alisa, Joanna and the late John Karl.

He had seven grandchildren. The family said donations could be made to the Bermuda National Gallery instead of flowers.