Entrepreneur Fred Thomas, who died Thursday at 66, was widely praised by legislators during Friday's House of Assembly sitting.

Ruling party backbencher Nelson Bascome praised the former professional boxer as a role model who was always available to give "that little bit of instruction to young people."

"This was a sad passing of what I would say was one of Bermuda's heroes," he added.

And Community Affairs Minister Dale Butler said that Mr. Thomas, a "giant in his field", had been personally encouraging in his days as a school principal.

"There are few of us, Mr. Speaker, who are prepared to push our spouses around Harrington Sound in a wheelbarrow," Opposition Leader Grant Gibbons said.

Housing Minister Ashfield DeVent recalled working for Mr. Thomas at his restaurant Chit Chat.

"He was always at the job site and was willing to do any task from waiting to standing behind the bar to washing dishes."

"He never did for glory or fame," Opposition House Leader John Barritt said.

"He did things because it was right and he enjoyed what he did ... He was a keen family man. He was devoted to his family and I think we recognise that devotion in his children today."

Mr. Barritt added that as a black man, Mr. Thomas' involvement in sports at the professional level must have been exceptionally challenging.

But "he made his mark and he did it exceptionally well. And when he heard the bell he always came out fighting and sometimes he came out when we didn't hear the bell and that's what makes him a man that was outstanding."