A nurse by profession, Kim Young carried her caring approach into her political career, former colleagues said yesterday.

MPs paid tribute to the human rights activist and former United Bermuda Party Cabinet minister at the House of Assembly yesterday.

Opposition leader Jeanne Atherden said she first met Ms Young through her husband, Ward Young.

Ms Atherden said: “Over time, we got to know that she was very passionate about the things that were important, whether it be family services, women’s issues and anything which related to Bermuda politics.

“Kim had that heart for Bermuda, that heart for women and I know that her family will be missing her as will lots of other people who came into contact with her.

“When she was involved in child and family services, she did a lot to make sure that rights for the family and issues with respect to family services were highlighted.”

One Bermuda Alliance MP Grant Gibbons, who was Mrs Young’s running mate in Paget East, described her as a “great listener”.

Dr Gibbons said: “Kim, as many members will know, was trained as a nurse and I think it’s fair to say that caring nature followed through in her approach to politics and her constituents as well.”

Progressive Labour Party backbencher Kim Swan said: “In another life, we were political colleagues and I always admired her caring spirit.

“There was no question that she cared about social issues. It’s important to appreciate how much she was associated with the Children’s Act. That was near and dear to her heart.”

Mrs Young served on several government boards and committees, including the Task Force on Women’s Issues, Fairhavens Christian Care Centre and seniors charity Project Action.

Cindy Swan, chairwoman of Project Action, said: “Project Action was fortunate to have Kim as one of our first board directors.

“She was committed in helping us to provide free transportation for seniors island-wide and stayed on the board until she moved back to Australia.

“One of the best memories for many seniors who rode the Project Action bus was her taking the time to ride the bus with them.

“Kim not only chatted all the way, she would pull up her pants leg and show off her colourful toenails. She keenly listened to each of the passengers and their ailments. Their conversations, no matter how sad, ended with a good chuckle.

“Project Action appreciated her heartfelt services and send blessings to Ward and all her children.”

The PLP said in a statement: “In her personal capacity, we thank her for her service to Bermuda as a nurse at KEMH, and for her contributions to the Human Rights Commission, Teen Services and the Bermuda Hospitals Board, among others.

“We extend our condolences to the Young family during this time. May their memories of her comfort them.”