ALL of the pageantry and honours that the Bermuda Police Service could muster was accorded its former Commissioner Lennett Maurice Edwards. He was laid to rest on Sunday at St. James' Church, Somerset, in an event likely to be long remembered as much for its ceremonial as for its solemnity.

Governor Sir John Vereker and Deputy Premier Dr. Ewart Brown led a procession of church, civic and political dignitaries augmented by hundreds of people from all walks of life and from all over Bermuda, in the celebration of his action-packed life.

The much decorated Commissioner, popularly known as 'Lennie,' passed away on February 12, a mere month short of his 66th birthday.

Our pictures show the Commissioner as he emerged from Buckingham Palace in London upon receipt of his OBE from the Queen for public service (far right).

Centre left: His flag-draped coffin being borne from the altar, followed by Pat, his wife of 45 years, with their daughter Judith Ann, son Robert and grandchildren. Far right: Members of the Police Choir about to enter the church in procession to pay their final tribute during the service that was conducted by the Ven. Archdeacon emeritus, Dr. Arnold Hollis, assisted by former Senator the Rev. Trevor Woolridge.

SERVICE was the hallmark of Lennie Edwards' life. He stamped it from his earliest days. He was the younger of the four sons of popular Bailey's Bay and St. George's Cup Match star Andler Edwards and Marion Robertine Kelly-Edwards.

His father was also a stonecutter, stone mason and a Cub Leader. He enrolled Lennie in his Cub pack, later he graduated to the Sea Cadets, joined the Berkeley Institute Cadet Corp and then enlisted in the Bermuda Militia Artillery as a boy musician.

His passion for music resulted in his gaining three certificated grades from the Royal School of Music in London. In April 1958, he joined several of his army colleagues for a five-week tour of duty to the West Indies aboard the Royal Naval warships HMS Troubridge and HMS Ulster.

His career in the Bermuda Police Force began on September 2, 1961 when he was sworn in as PC No. 220. Following an 18-month orientation as a uniform constable in Somerset, he was transferred to the Central CID.

His promotions were steady, first as Detective Sergeant No. 1, then Inspector and Chief Inspector in the Special Branch. In April 1981 he was appointed Detective Superintendent and Head of Special Branch.

In 1986, after having spent 22 years in plain clothes, he was transferred to Uniform as Assistant Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner in April 1990 and Commissioner on May 17, 1992.

All along the line Lennie attended numerous local and overseas training courses, seminars and conference relating to police work.

They included courses at the National Police Training Centre of Police in Ottawa, Canada, the prestigious Bramshill Police College in England, and along with various West Indian Commissioners was attached with the Solicitor Generals Department in Toronto.

COMMISSIONER Edwards was awarded the Queen's Long Service and Good Conduct Medal; the Queen's Colonial Police Medal for Meritorious Service; and in 1998 he became an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).

He opted for voluntary retirement from the Police Service on March 23, 1995 when he discovered his life was threatened by a rare cancer.

He devoted his remaining years and talents to leadership roles in St. James' Church and the Anglican Synod of Bermuda, and in various Government-appointed boards, panels, tribunals and commissions.