Richardson, who this week stepped down from his job as the Island's top civilservant.

Mr. Richardson, who was forced to retire at 54 because of a slow recovery from brain surgery, was described as a man whose integrity, sense of fairness and decency had set the standard for the Bermuda civil service.

Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan praised Mr. Richardson for his career-long devotion to public service and his "quiet focus on the job at hand.'' The Premier praised Mr. Richardson's temperament, particularly during his years at Labour and Home Affairs where he was involved in the resolution of many labour-management disputes.

"His great sensitivity and skill with people enabled him to steer Bermuda through a difficult period,'' he said.

Sir John also thanked Mr. Richardson for his service to the Premier and the Cabinet since his elevation in 1984 to Cabinet Secretary.

"He considered that his task was to serve Bermuda and make a difference,'' he said.

"I'm sure his health will continue to recover and that he will continue to make a contribution to the Island as a concerned citizen.'' Opposition Leader Mr. Frederick Wade said Mr. Richardson's professionalism and impartiality assured the Progressive Labour Party that it would be well served in the event of it winning the Government.

"We knew we could move into the Cabinet Office tomorrow and that he'd not miss a step,'' he said. "He set the pace for impartiality.'' Mr. Wade, like other MPs, recalled knowing Mr. Richardson from childhood.

Although they weren't from the same neighbourhood, Mr. Wade nonetheless said "We were Back of Town boys'' and soccer competitors.

Mr. Eugene Blakeney (PLP), who is president of the Bermuda Public Service Association, said he had known Mr. Richardson all his life and had enjoyed the privilege of dealing with him as both a union leader and politician.

"I agree with my colleagues that he was a fair, unbiased gentleman,'' he said.

That fairness and impartiality didn't win Mr. Blakeney any favours when he tried for points during labour talks.

"I thought I could take advantage of that close relationship,'' he said. "To my great regret, he went straight down the centre and always made sure he was fair.

"If we could get our Civil Service to emulate his ways we would have a service second to none.'' Delegated Affairs Minister the Hon. Sir John Sharpe said his relationship with Mr. Richardson was forged when he was appointed Home Affairs Minister in the 1970s.

Sir John remarked that Mr. Richardson's work was marked by honesty, integrity and decency -- "qualities that assured him the trust of everyone he dealt with'' including the warring factions whose differences he helped mitigate.

The comments were supported by many MPs, who also rose to speak about other people.

Mr. Nelson Bascome (PLP) expressed his sadness over the premature death of tennis great Mr. Arthur Ashe. He recalled Mr. Ashe coming to Bermuda in the early 1970s to give a clinic at the Coral Beach Club.

When Mr. Ashe noticed there were no black children present he moved the clinic to the National Stadium.