families of Gladstone Richard (Tab) Bassett, Bernadine B. Jennings and Julene Darrell.

Mr. Bassett, 67, of Pearmans Hill West, Warwick, is survived by his wife Phillipa and two sons, Richard and Philip.

Sandy's South MP Walter Roberts (PLP) remembered the former labour officer as "the wheels behind the Boundaries Commission'' and as a man of "great knowledge''.

Labour, Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Quinton Edness recalled working with Mr. Bassett for many years and called him "the quintessential public servant''.

"He served his Country well,'' added Mr. Edness before noting Mr. Bassett's efforts to stop conflicts between unions and management before they reached industrial action.

Opposition House Leader Reginald Burrows noted Mr. Bassett's great contributions to Bermuda and society.

He was joined by Works, Engineering and Housing Minister C.V. (Jim) Woolridge who remembered Mr. Bassett as a cricketer and musician.

His colleague, Environment, Planning and Natural Resources Minister John Irving Pearman added that it was a "privilege'' to have worked with Mr.

Bassett.

"I think his greatest contribution was his simple, quiet lifestyle. He had the ability to get his point across without being argumentative.'' Mr. Bassett's cousin, PLP backbencher Ottiwell Simmons noted his relative was also his friend. "First of all, he was a gentleman,'' he added.

He remarked on Mr. Bassett's prowess as a cricketer but stressed that "he really made his mark as a mediator, conciliator and arranger of arbitration for industrial relations. Employers and trade unions respected him.'' Pembroke West MP Erwin Adderley (UBP) said he had known Mr. Bassett all his life but "I had never in my life seen him angry''.

This was an attribute which made Mr. Bassett an "outstanding labour officer''.

Miss Darrell, 33, passed away near midnight on February 8. Deputy Premier Jerome Dill noted that she was "suddenly and unexpectedly struck down''.

"Bermuda has suffered a most tremendous loss.'' Mr. Roberts noted that she was an excellent assistant teacher and an excellent singer who helped make up the backbone of the gospel vocal group Chorale Dynamics.

Mr. Woolridge said condolences should be sent to Ms Jennings, known as "Matron'' by all the students at Saltus Cavendish School.

"She was appreciated right down to the youngest child there,'' he said.

Mr. Gibbons agreed, noting that Ms Jennings had tended to the 250 some pupils of the school right up until a week before she passed away.

"She will be impossible to replace,'' he said.

Gladstone Bassett