"INSTRUMENTAL", "enlightened", "poised" - all words used by friends and colleagues to describe Michael Dolding, a father, husband, seaman and Port Operations Manager for the Corporation of Hamilton.

After battling prostate cancer for some time, the 60-year-old Master Mariner passed away on Monday.

A man who dedicated his life and career to the marine industry and to all things concerning the sea, his passing this week comes with an outpour of praise and laudation.

After working for close to 30 years with the Department of Marine and Ports as Assistant Director and Harbourmaster, Mr. Dolding joined to the Corporation of Hamilton in 2006. During his time there he played an integral role in transitioning Less than Container Load (LCL) cargo containers from the Number Seven Shed to inland stripping facilities earlier this year. A move meant to help alleviate the heavy congestion on the crowded Hamilton docks could have been met with fraught and apprehension if not for Mr. Dolding.

"Michael was instrumental in the transition of moving LCL containers off the Hamilton dock," explained Acting Mayor Cortland Boyle. "Everyone respected him and valued his experience. He made the transition go so smoothly and got all the parties together to be on the same page. People were very leery about the transition and he got the docks, employers and customs together and it went without any hiccups. It was a big relief for congestion in Hamilton."

Mr. Dolding's considerable experience and advice was also seen as vital to the operations and future of the proposed Hamilton Waterfront redevelopment plans.

"All of his ideas and input is going to be sadly missed. It was a pleasure getting to know him and to work with him during his tenure. He had significant input into the Hamilton Waterfront plans and how it may work out in the future," said the Acting Mayor.

Former Corporation of Hamilton Councillor and Wharf Committee member Graeme Outerbridge who knew Mr. Dolding since his school days, agreed: "Michael was instrumental in sorting out a host of issues including amending the Corporation of Hamilton's legislation regarding the docks and tariffs.

"He came to the Corporation at a time when it needed on-the-ground management skills for a host of challenges facing the Corporation on the Waterfront. Michael fixed the problems and then started to focus on the future by giving valuable advice and technical support on the new Waterfront redevelopment plans. He gave stellar advice and support to the Wharf Committee and the full Corporation on all matters concerning shipping, the docks and security.

"The remarkable aspect of this man was that he performed all these tasks while battling a serious illness.

"He carried on with poise and good humour right up until he left the Corporation for the last time. It's one thing to be good at your job but it is an extraordinary accomplishment to be an enlightened and successful person."

In a press release, the Corporation stated that it: "considered itself most fortunate in attracting Mr. Dolding to manage the City's docks in 2006 on the heels of his retiring from the Civil Service. He spent almost 30 years at the Department of Marine and Ports and was widely respected for his expertise on almost every aspect of Bermuda shipping and maritime matters."

According to Mr. Outerbridge, Mr. Dolding was also a man dedicated to his wife and family: "Michael understood the gifts of family love and its many expressions and though going before he wanted, those expressions stayed behind in a simple gesture for Ellie and Tamsyn."

In an expression of his own, Mr. Outerbridge continued, "He picks up the pace on the runway, he plants the pole and swings those legs up and sails cleanly over the bar.

"He was a good pole-vaulter when he was at Saltus but he never stopped clearing the bar throughout his life."